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Reviews 4

I have to apologize for the random chaos that these "reviews" entries have been. I've been busy, true, but I have also been bombarded with a whole slew of DVD's (I've been watching about 3 films a week on average!). It would have been nicer had I organized it more thoughtfully, but consider this a brainstorm of all the stuff I've been seeing. Perhaps it will serve as raw material for a more composed composition on a later date.

Taming of the Shrew 1967. Directed by Franco Zefirelli, Starring Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and Michael York (who plays Bazel on the Austin Power series).
Elizabeth Taylor is a stunning woman. She's a bit old now, but still absolutely stunning. She was also notorious for her multiple marriages (not all at once, of course). She makes the most wonderful Katherine, the shrew, in this adapted for film version of Shakespeare's play. Of course, Richard Burton with his drinking problem and whatnot, also made a brilliant Petrucchio. You know, Elizabeth Taylor can say more things with just the glimmer of her eyes than anyone. And when I think of Cleopatra, her face comes to mind. Beautiful creature, she is.

Reviews 3

Audition Starring Ryo Ishibashi, Directed by Takashi Miike
Acquaintances have recommended this film to me after learning that I am a horror movie buff/fan. I immediately googled it and read reviews on-line which were quite pleasurably disturbing; one review wrote that a little more than halfway through the film, about half the audience got up to leave because it was just too scary. As I am always looking to expand the edges of my horizon, and test my horror-viewing abilities, I was intrigued. If the Japanese know one thing, it's how to make horror movies (Do not click if you are prone to fear! -- It's just a movie poster, however!). So I popped the DVD in and ecstatically waited to be frightened beyond my wits (I scare myself realizing how much I love gory horror movies!). It was plain. It was NOT scary. It was weird. The plot dragged on and on. The only line I can recall is, "metal wires can cut through meat and bone easily." But that's about as scary as it got. I was disappointed. However, for those of you who aren't quite as dissentisized as I am, perhaps there's a bit of horror in it for you to enjoy.

Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2003 Jessica Biel.
Now here's a good old fashioned American horror/thriller. It has all the classic elements. When I say classic elements, I am talking about the really cheezy/cliche moments that exist in horror films, and yet the movie wouldn't be the same without them.

Classic element #1. "Look behind you!" moment. Yes, the moments when the audience can't help but the scream out, 'look behind you!' The naive characters walk into a room without realizing that the villain/monster/serial killer is behind the door with a giant machete or an axe or just his freaky face. Corollaries to this element include such great details like, "don't go in there!" and "run faster!"

Classic element #2. A horror film has got to be sexy. As we all know, sex sells, and the same truth goes for horror movies. There has always got to be some ditzy blonde chick who's scared out of her mind. She is almost always scantily clad, and even that, the fear-inducing character, manages to tear most of the articles of clothing. Either that, or she runs through some bushes/trees and clothes get torn. Having turned-on headlights are not required, but definitely a plus (See Jessica Biel).

Classic element #3. Vulnerable situations. It's hard to pinpoint when it would not be vulnerable when you're in the same house as a guy with a chainsaw who just doesn't stay dead for too long, but almost always, there is a point in the plot when one or two characters venture into ultra-vulnerable situations, always alone. You would think that after years of having horror movies produced, year after year, they would learn to stick together. But no, it is always, "Becky, you go left, and John, you go to the middle, and I'll go to the right, because splitting up will make us be more efficient in covering more ground." Some of the more older films manage to incorporate a shower scene. You know, when you're being chased by a psychopathic serial killer, you get quite dirty and feel the need to get naked and take a leisurely shower. Well, they get killed, and are usually the first to go (the dumber one is, the shorter his life span). It usually goes something like this, "hey, is anybody in here? Billy? Billy, this isn't funny, now come out! (Looks around) Well, I'm gonna get nekked and take a shower~" The scene always ends with blood going down the drain of a bath tub. Well, the newest version of the Texas Chain Massacre has all three classic elements and I give it two thumbs up. A lot of high pitched squealings, thanks to Jessica Biel. Thanks Jess.

Living History
by Hilary Clinton. I got the audio book version and listened to it during my commute to work. I used to like Hilary, not for her political views, but her courage to stand up for herself and be strong and fearless. She is a great role-model for many women and girls. I was first attracted to this book because I always wondered how she must have felt during the Monica Lewinsky scandal. I know many people clamour on about how Clinton has reduced the budget deficit for the first time in generations of presidents, or whatever his accomplishments are -- but for me, a man who can't be true to his family is a man who can't be true to his country. It would have not been so bad had the US been a country that would tolerate such behavior with a slap on the wrist -- but Bill Clinton knew better. He knew that if this were to become publicized, it would cause remorse in the eyes of the people, pain his wife, and scar his daughter. And yet he did it. Well, we're not talking about Bill tonight, so I'll skip over my rant about him.

At first, I dismissed Hilary as the prodigal wife, much like the ones on "Stepford Wives." I had read in one article (which probably had no factual basis) that Hilary dyed her hair blond to keep her hubby interested. And I just couldn't understand how on earth she could take him back after what he had done. But I gave her the benefit of the doubt -- maybe there was something else.

After the autobiography, I dislike Hilary more than I can imagine. Sure she is an accomplished woman. But her book was propaganda. It was self-serving. Whatever she did had changed the world for the better -- whatever the Republicans did, were horrifying and damaging the nation. She was a great mom and shielded Chelsea from the press at all costs. Bill hurt his daughter. Hilary made a difference in all of subsaharan Africa. She made all the difference for women in India and the south east Asian countries. Without her, they'll still be struggling to fight misogyny, AIDS, and starvation. She made so much progress in the war on AIDS in Africa. While I have no doubt that Hilary Clinton worked hard to make a difference and probably did make a difference at some levels, I also have no doubt that Hilary Clinton has no sense of modesty or humility. Obviously while meeting Mother Theresa and Princess Diana, she failed to learn why they were so admired for their humanitarian work -- the woman is all about getting re-elected and ensuring the continuation of her political career.

You will not find a single sentence that mentions any of her shortcomings, whether it be as a mom, a wife, a woman, a First lady, or a senator. It makes her inhuman, inaccessible, and the biggest pompous ass! If you want to re-fuel your dislike for the woman, this is your book.

You would think that while making an attempt to write a book, you'd try to refrain from being judgmental. There is not a soul who would regard Senator Clinton as a pushover in any sense -- she didn't need to promote herself in such a way. She could have executed the book in a more graceful fashion, and stop referring to Chelsea as a "(insert adjective here) young woman." Bright young woman. Beautiful young woman. Well, this young woman is appalled with this book. It's a two thumbs down -- even if I could vote, I wouldn't vote for you, Hilary.

X-Rated Searches

Ok. Who ran a search for "korean women taking it anally?" Obviously, you are not going to find it here. Also, I am not "mistress Haemi" -- I do go by the name Haemi, but it's not my porn-star name.

Who in the world googles "voluptuous innie belly buttons?" And the stranger part is that it brings up my blog at a relatively high ranking. I do have an innie, and although I do think it is quite attractive, I wouldn't go far as to say that it is voluptuous -- I don't even think that belly buttons can be voluptuous!

Witch Hunt

Tonight's episode of The Apprentice consisted of much chaos and a witch hunt. The women's team, Apex, had lost, due to the fact that they went over the budget for the project assigned. However, the PM (Project Manager) was not fired, and the person responsible for surpassing the allotted budget was not fired. Instead, a black woman, Stacie, was fired. The team unanimously voiced their diagnoses of Stacie, that she was crazy. Apparently, she had done something on the first episode that made everyone rather nervous -- some of the contestants claimed that it was the "scariest moment of [their] life." Another called Stacie, to be "bordering on schizophrenia." When the entire team simultaneously clamoured that Stacie was "crazy," Donald Trump said the magic words, "you're fired" to Stacie. And off she went.

I haven't seen the first episode. However, it seemed very Salem Witch Trial, as all were pointing fingers at a person for being crazy. Obviously, the woman owns and runs a restaurant, and she had beat the odds and was found competetive enough to be on the show. As in the second and third (tonight's) episodes, I found myself agreeing with Stacie that the rest of the women were in sort of a sorority attitude -- they were being exclusive, and had very negative attitudes toward her. I'll have to see if I can get a copy of the first episode to see what exactly she had done to scare off her teammates.

In other news, my brother had bought me a scanner -- a much better one than I had expected! It is sleek, ultra-light-weight, and aesthetically pleasing to the extremes. Fashionable silver color. Did some random scanning, and found myself, pleasantly agreeable with my new gadget toy. I have worked on a blog template for my brother involving the anime, Cowboy Bebop -- (and my brother still claims that jazz is stupid) and will have that up and running soon. My brother blogs frequently, but does not share it with the world. His blog is open to a few select friends, and he does nothing to promote it to the WWW public. He forced me to remove the link from my blog! Well, he's still a blog, even if he is a closeted one.

Thank goodness for Friday. I am exhausted! It must be a sign of aging, because I haven't been this tired ever! I'm flabbergasted by my exhaustion. Need sleep now. Goodnight!

Dan Rather's Rather Hasty Actions

Click Here and also Here for the article.

I can't believe it. Perhaps Ann Coulter (read C-BS) was right all this time, harping on and on about the liberal bias in the media. I am neither a Repub or a Demi, but I do have an opinion. That opinion is this: mistakes happen from time to time, but such a scandalous one by someone, who is expected to have high standards, like Dan Rather, is ridiculous.

I am inclined, not to believe Dan Rather's apologies that he did not know. His show is on his shoulders -- his career, his work, his life, all is riding on his integrity as a journalist. One of the fundamentals of being a journalist, whether you are in broadcast or print, anywhere in the world, is that you report back the truth. If someone hands you the truth on a silver platter (when the usual case is that you have to go out and search long and hard for it), do you not question it? Do you not take a good long look at it before presenting it for the masses to see? Perhaps it is a mistake; but he should've known better. Actually, he knows better.

He has been a respected member of the mass media, almost revered for his integrity, and he has abused his position. And the worst part is, damage is done. You can't retract spilled milk, and pour it back in the cup. He must face the consequences of slander. It is nice and well that he's apologized; but responsibility must follow action. Maybe he can take some cues from Janet for making gargantuan publicized blunders. Or call up Trent Lott, and see how much apologizing it takes before he is forgotten.

Reviews 2

Matchstick Men
This is just hot off the press people. So to speak. Just finished the film, and found it extremely appealing and up to par with my likings. Nicholas Cage is a fabulous actor. In his case, I think it helps that he looks the way he does -- he doesn't look like an unapproachable star Tinseltown hunk god -- he looks like the average joe. He's approachable. He could be you. You could be him. And in the most literal sense, I could be his wife had I stuck out as a waitress longer. The plot definitely thickens on this one -- and it's a twister! I was definitely in for a surprise. It has a humbling message -- as I said before, monkeys do fall off of trees. Another lesson? If a kid comes up to you claiming to be your long lost child, request a photo ID along with DNA testing to be done immediately. Do not give the benefit of the doubt. In fact, don't believe your current son or daughter is actually your son/daughter. Unless you were with him/her non-stop at the hospital after birth, there is the looming possibility of a switcheroo done with your kid. I mean, recall the Biblical tale of King Solomon and that baby. One woman squashes her baby to death and wants to take some other woman's child and claim it as her own! Now, it may feel better for you to have a baby in your arms. Replacements might seem to ease you a bit. But can you really live your life knowing that this baby ain't yo baby?

It's already 1AM. Perhaps I should have studied for the inevitable nutrition exam tomorrow. Perhaps I should have cleaned my desk (hasn't even been a month since I cleaned it, and I'm already having trouble finding my mouse under piles of stuff). Perhaps I should have gone to sleep earlier, since I've been roughing it with just 5-6 hrs a night (when I feel best at 8-9 hrs a night) and I've been dog-tired since last week! Geez. Maybe tomorrow I'll sleep earlier -- but probably after ER (I do believe it is the season premiere... gotta love that telly!). Good night everyone.

Reviews

Today is review day. I have seen a few movies (none new, I admit) and decided to write up a nice briefing. I am also near the completion of listening to the audiobook of Hilary Clinton's Living History.

Elizabeth (1998) Starring Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, Joseph Fiennes, etc.
This started out very promising. I am very fascinated by history, especially European history, and even more especially, English history of the Elizabethan era. The beginning was very eerie. Cate Blanchett is decent, as are the other actors. I sat up, perky and wide-eyed, and prepared to immerse in the bloody politics of a formidable female monarch. It started out with bangs and booms, but frazzled into "eh." It felt rushed, as though the plot jumped from the major historic scenes, but it didn't fully cover the reign of Elizabeth like I had expected. It only covered up to the point where the queen establishes herself on the throne and declares herself the Virgin Queen who is married to England. Could've been better. There certainly are more interesting parts of English history they could have covered. I would think that since the theme is (seems to be, anyway) the rise and maintenance of power by the most powerful woman in European history, it would cover spectacular events such as the victory over the Spanish Armada, or the beheading of one of her lovers for treason. Oh well.

Like Water for Chocolate (1992) Starring people of hispanic origin with names I cannot recall. My first Spanish film outside of Spanish class. It is a very lovely movie -- you can see the life and death, love and hate, in a women dominated hispanic family, living in TX. The setting is uncertain -- most of the story seems to take place in the vicinities of Texas, and the time is during some sort of revolution -- possibly before the Mexican American War. Tita, the main character, cannot marry the man she loves, because as the youngest daughter in her family, she is forced, by tradition, to take care of her mother until her death (and not marry). There is a conflict of traditions; obviously the tradition that forbids her to marry (at least until her mother's death) and the loving traditions she experiences in the kitchen while cooking meals for the people she loves. Ending is surprising. I don't want to give anything away, but the man that Tita loves dies while having sex. What a way to go. It is somewhat unreal, some supernatural things that happen. Great symbolism. Good movie to see when you want romance without sappiness.

Farewell My Concubine (1993) Starring Leslie Cheung. It is interesting that Leslie Cheung (who is a MAN) played the roll of the concubine. I can't really tell for sure, but the character does appear to be homosexual, as is Cheung. Or should I say, was, as Cheung committed suicide recently (last year perhaps?), over depression regarding disputes with his lover. It covers a substantial amount of history, as it takes place during a time in China where rapid successions of power occurs -- first in a kingdom, then the Japanese occupation, then the ushering in of communism, etc. The story is very good, very well executed. If you don't mind the subtitles (unless you speak Chinese, of course), you should see it.

The Green Mile (1999)Starring Tom Hanks. I've never seen a bad movie with Tom Hanks. While not a personal fan of Stephen King, this isn't quite like other novels by King. A fascinating tale. Reminds me of the Guernica -- a single shine of goodness in the mist of such a cold place where death looms closely. The plot is unlike anything I've ever seen -- you know how there are stories that are just re-told with different settings and characters... like the Cinderella story. Very original, which is expected of Stephen King, of course, and wonderful acting, which is typical of Hanks.

Runaway Jury (2003) Staring Rachel Weiss, John Cusack, Gene Hackman, Dustin Hoffman. Just like any other John Grisham's novel-to-blockbuster-movie. Obviously has to do with the law, which is Grisham's specialty, very suspenseful. Keeps you on your toes until the end. It is very interesting. Never knew that juries were selected in such a manner -- I thought it was done by random selection, but apparently not. If you're bored, and in need of a slight mood/energy elevation, this is it. Fast paced but does not skimp on details. I think the novel was written so it can be made into a movie. Grisham must be sitting on piles and piles of money. Well, the ending for this story is the underdogs, even if their acts aren't all too innocent, wins. Yay.

Something's Gotta Give (2003) Diane Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Keanu Reeves, Amanda Peet. Love Diane, love Jack (how can anyone NOT love him!), love Keanu (hunky), hate Amanda (ugly mediocre actress!). How wonderful is Diane Keaton! So lovable. It goes to show you that a good movie isn't about having a youthful wrinkle-free face. It's about acting. My mom loved it too, so that's a total of four thumbs up in the Lee household. Easy going movie, perfect for a Sunday early afternoon.

Ok. I'm tired, and have to get some work done!

Autumn

Feels like Autumn. There is a definite coolness along with a brisk breeze in the air. I wore a long sleeved sweater today, because it is just cool enough to do so. I wish I can lament the passing of summer, but I'm just too busy to mourn! Summer has always felt like a beginning and an end for me. I know most people consider winter to be the end and the spring to be the beginnings, but for me, it is summer. Perhaps it is because I am born smack dab middle of summer -- my age changes during the middle of summer, so it does feel like the end and the beginning.

The weather is just so lovely, I had to blog about it. The winds are supposed to go up to 90 MPH today -- I hope they're not the notorious Santa Ana winds, but even with the slight breeze, it's just lovely. Beautiful.

I Should Be Proud

Just about 30 seconds ago, I was lying in bed, getting ready to sleep. It is midnight. And my final thoughts for the day went something like this: Gee, I never really, completely knew how much grammatical errors I make in my blog... even if I do write a lot at a really fast pace during work when customers bother me, that's no excuse... and I got so little accomplished today... I haven't done any homework for statistics, and I still need to finish The Taming of the Shrew and I didn't have anything healthy today! I had a McDonald's breakfast and a mediocre lunch and leftover pizza for dinner which I scarfed down in less than 10 minutes... I really should have ordered those contact lenses today because I'm down to my last pair and really need to get more in asap... I could've ordered them tonight if I didn't misplace my prescription... now I just made more work for myself, because I'll have to call the eye doctor and pick up another copy of the prescription and fax it over to the place and etc... what time do I have to get up tomorrow? I should be up no later than 6:30 AM...

And then I started thinking about what I did today. Because I try to live each day to my fullest, and my mind has been running on negative thoughts about how sucky (how suckily?) I had spent my day, and I wanted to go over exactly what my low points were.

You know what? I am up by 6:30 AM, and I am out of the house at 7:45 AM for school. Then from school, I leave for work and get there by 10AM. Then I leave work at 5PM, and head straight for school, for a 6:30PM class. The class ended at 9:53PM (how exact, I know) and I was home approximately 10PM. You know what that means? I spent over 14 hours out of the house working or schooling myself. That's a lot of hours to be spent working (work, of course, suggesting actual work in which I get paid, and the work that involves getting an education). And the remainder of the evening which I spent at home, I was taking care of more business, like sorting through my mail (bills, mostly) laying out my plans for tomorrow (preparing for class). The only little bit of solace I had was when I read a bit of the the LA Times -- it was the first chance I had to read it today, 15 hours after I had picked it up from my apartment building's gate. And the feud with the ordering of contact lenses.

That's a pretty rough day, and I went through it (sometimes it's more about going through the motions, really) without complaints or negativity. I should be darn proud of myself for being so tough and having such admirable endurance (if I say so myself). I shouldn't go to bed with thoughts of shame that I haven't accomplished much today... I've done nothing short of performing miracles, it seems, and I should be patting myself in the back for it. Why was I finishing out my day with such self-destructive thoughts? What kind of dreams would I have?

Well, I'm obliterating the negativity in my life, and the negative thoughts in bed will go tonight. Nothing but preparations for sweet dreams for me. Cuz I did a job well done today. Not bad, even for a Superwoman. =)

Tomorrow

The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
Bet your bottom dollar
That tomorrow
There'll be sun!
Just thinkin' about
Tomorrow
Clears away the cobwebs,
And the sorrow
'Til there's none!
When I'm stuck a day
That's gray,
And lonely,
I just stick out my chin
And Grin,
And Say,
Oh The sun'll come out
Tomorrow
So ya gotta hang on
'Til tomorrow
Come what may
Tomorrow!
Tomorrow!
I love ya
Tomorrow!
You're always
A day away!