Saturday, January 14, 2012, 5:10 PM
so i still haven't got the chance to watch some of the films last year.
but, with the never ending exam tryouts and schedules that i have to deal with this semester, i don't think i'm gonna have much time watching them anyways.
so here they are, last year's best of the best in Film!
2011 Movie of the Year
10. In Time
I loved the concept of this alternate world where everything is paid by time, and the fact that there's always some people who are so greedy they want to keep everything for themselves. It gives a new meaning for the term 'Time is Money'. The stunts are very well put together. Plus, the casts are eye catching since in the movie, you stop aging from the age of 25 so only in this movie you will see Olivia Wilde playing Justin Timberlake's mother.
9. Source Code
Think Inception is mind boggling? Try watching Source Code. It gets a little boring in the middle of the movie since you basically only have two sets: the small 'cabin' where Colter's body is placed, and inside the train. I was particularly awed by the ending, combining sci-fi stuffs like alternate reality with connecting-with-the-dead.
8. Abduction
I have to say, Taylor Lautner was brilliant in Abduction! He was probably only 18 when he filmed this but his performance is badass. I've always love the whole..fugitive, wrongfully accused type of movie so this one definitely catch my attention. The car chases and the stunts really deserve a thumbs up. The thing that lets me down is probably Taylor's chemistry with Lily, which I don't really see.
7. Super 8
Anything with the name JJ Abrams always screams 'AWESOME' to me. Including Super 8. I know, it's another alien story but this is different. It's set in the 70s and the main cast is surprisingly not famous actors but newbie kids. I love their innocence in playing a bunch of kids trying to shoot a movie, and Elle Fanning really stood out in this movie. Her chemistry with Joel Courtney, who play the main character--Joe--is impeccable. I love the really innocent puppy love shown in the movie. It shows that without any kissing or sex scenes you can still make something romantic with nervous glances and holding hands. While I don't like the ending very much, this movie sure has the most exciting trailer for last year!
6. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Of course, it's different without Will and Elizabeth, my favorite couple in Pirates. But Johnny Depp once again proved its quality as a true chameleon. He was undoubtedly charismatic in this movie. I love that finally he gets an equal person to be his love/hate interest..Penelope Cruz, and equally witty and cunning character named Angelica. The movie is always fun to watch, although you can't really compare this to the first three.
5. Crazy, Stupid, Love.
One wonderful surprise to me was Crazy, Stupid, Love! I thought it would be like another star-studded romantic comedy which usually was like a feel-good movie but once you've finished watching it, you get no impression whatsoever. But, this movie is really funny and out-of-the-box, and the somehow-connected story makes sense. The cast are wonderful and hilarious, and of course, eye catching!
4. X-Men: First Class
It seems like the people behind X-Men movies are never out of ideas. After the end of the trilogy, even the prequels are epic. James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender are very convincing as Professor X and Magneto, and as always, I'm awed by the mutant powers of the 'first class'. It's nice seeing characters that I thought was pure evil like Mystique, is actually a good girl with a self-esteem issue.
3. Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows
A sequel is rarely better than the first film, this applies to Sherlock Holmes as well, but the second film is just as funny, and as witty. Finally, a villain that's worthy of Holmes's attention: Prof. James Moriarty. The Holmes-Moriarty story is always my favorite in the novels and I'm soo glad Morirarty in the movie is just what I pictured it to be. I miss the Holmes-predicting-the-outcome-of-the-fight scene, but it's replaced with the Holmes-in-chameleon-suit scene. Robert Downey, Jr. is ah-mazing!
2. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol
A really great way to end the year. I watched this movie twice in one day and I didn't feel bored at all. It's funny, action-packed, fast-paced, and it doesn't need that sexy scenes to spice things up. Tom Cruise is brilliant as Ethan Hunt (though I hated that long hair. I want short-haired Ethan!!!). The highlight? Of course, Ethan climbing Burj Khalifa! Oh, and surprisingly, Simon Pegg is the one that really stood up in this movie. When things get serious he always says these things that aren't meant to be jokes but always succeeded in making me laugh! M:I:4 would've been my first choice if not for this next movie...
1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II
After precisely a decade of Harry Potter films, it finally ends. I'm a little sad that this is the last time I'm gonna be watching Harry Potter. I'm gonna miss the whole excitement in waiting for the movie to come, and how I tried so hard to get the tickets...but at the same time, I'm curious to see how they end the movie. It was exactly what I wanted! What really gets me was Snape's flashback. I cried super hard that time, seeing how the heartless Snape that we always know is actually very loving and loyal to Lily. When Snape held Lily's body after Voldemort killed her...wow I couldn't stand it! The last battle was also another highlight, and, of course, Harry's walk to the forrest. I'm so grateful to live in an era where Harry Potter exists, and I'm sure that something like Harry Potter will always be remembered for decades to come. (P.S: Please, stop comparing Harry Potter with s**ts like Twilight. Why is there even a comparison? They're clearly not in the same level.)
Anne Hathaway always shine in every performance. One Day is no exception. How amazing is she? She portrays the character Emma Morley from 22 to 36 brilliantly. From the geeky year, the pretty year, to the settling-down year. Her chemistry with Jim Sturgess is so convincing. Her British accent is somewhat weird, but that's a minor flaw that I'm gladly willing to overlook.
Nominees:
Saoirse Ronan - Hanna, Penelope Cruz - Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Jennifer Lawrence - X-Men: First Class, Zoe Saldana - Colombiana
Daniel Radcliffe really brings his A game for the last Harry Potter movie. He did both stunts and emotional scenes perfectly. My favorite moment was Harry's final walk to the forrest when he has the 'ghost' of his loved ones with him. You can really see Harry feeling a little bit disappointed that all of his hard work has to come down to this, but at the same time he's accepting the fact that it needs to be done. Precisely what I pictured it would be when I read the book!
Nominees:
Robert Downey, Jr. - Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows, Jake Gyllenhaal - Source Code, Tom Cruise - Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, Ryan Gosling - Drive
I LOVE Emma Stone! She's both smart and hilarious at the same time, and also kooky, but lovable. Her performance in Crazy, Stupid, Love is one example. Oh, and I love how she talks!
Nominees:
Elle Fanning - Super 8, Analeigh Tipton - Crazy, Stupid, Love., Teresa Palmer - I Am Number Four, Paula Patton - Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol
OMG He's super charming in this movie! I've forgotten about Ryan Gosling for a while but when I saw this movie I was like, "WOW Ryan Gosling's actually really hot!". In the wrong hands, his charater can seem annoying and narcissistic, but Ryan succeeds in making it lovable yet (jussstt a little) annoying
Nominees:
Simon Pegg - Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, Zach Galifianakis - The Hangover 2, Jeremy Renner - Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, Alan Rickman - Harry Potter and the Deeathly Hallows: Part II
Move over, Dan Radcliffe! The eye candy of Harry Potter is officially Matthew Lewis. When I think about Matthew, or Neville Longbottom, I always picture this nerdy, awkward kid. But apparently time has made Matthew become this macho British hunk! Everyone who mocked him all those years would have to eat their words.
Nominees:
Ryan Gosling - Drive & Crazy, Stupid, Love., Alex Pettyfer - I Am Number Four, Ryan Reynolds - Green Lantern, Lucas Till - X-Men: First Class
Benji is the heart of Mission Impossible! He is a little clumsy and nervous on the field and I think saying stupid stuffs that aren't meant to be funny (but are always hilarious), is his way of coping with it. I have to say I can't decide which one's my favorite line of him since all of his lines are always making me laugh!
Best Opening Scene:
Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol
Nominees:
Elle Fanning - Super 8, Michael Fassbender - X-Men: First Class, Justin Timberlake - In Time, Analeigh Tipton - Crazy, Stupid, Love.
They played Dex and Em perfectly. I was in tears when Emma died and when I saw Dexter was unable to cope with it and was taking it very hard. They were so perfect for each other that when they finally became a couple I was like, "YES!!!" Because in this type of movies usually the ones I'm rooting for are ended up not being together and have to live their lives wondering 'what if...' (much like Katy Perry's The One That Got Away). But I'm really glad that they ended up together, though not for a very long time.
Nominees: Joel Courtney & Elle Fanning - Super 8, Ryan Gosling & Emma Stone - Crazy, Stupid, Love.
I know, I know, you must be a little surprised. But yes, in spite of the horrible-excuse-of-a-porno movie, Breaking Dawn has the best soundtrack. From the Flightless Bird, American Mouth that always reminds me of Edward and Bella's first dance in Twilight, Bruno Mars's It Will Rain, which I think is somewhat hyperbolic not romantic, to my favorite song: A Thousand Years, which I have told you for like, a million times, is my dream wedding song! I wish there would be at least one Muse song, though, as the band constantly contribute a song for the series.
Best Quote:
"Not My Daughter, You Bitch!"--Molly Weasley in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II
The most memorable quote from the novel, and also the most memorable quote from the movie. We always see Molly as this loving mother, but when she duelled with Bellatrix in this scene, I finally saw her badass side. Bravo, J.K Rowling for coming up with this line!
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Tuesday, January 3, 2012, 7:09 PM
HELLO 2012!
(source: debbiesworldofbooks)
2012 means...i've been blogging for FIVE YEARS!
HAPPY 5th ANNIVERSARY, BLOG!
man, time flies so fast, isn't it?
new year means the holidays are over. school is on.
and for me, a senior, it means the fight for national exam begins.
i skipped school today, since my dad took me to batu for his office's family gathering.
apparently, the schedule for this semester is up and the national exam will be held on April 16-19.
on one hand, i'm glad because after those excruciating 4 days i can finally rest and go on a longgg break and also focus my attention in applying to university.
on the other hand, it means i have a lot going on before April 16.
oh, and another shocking news: the first exam tryouts will be held next week! one bloody week.
i haven't even started on anything yet. am still recovering from the holiday mood.
anyways, this holiday i've been going out with my friends a LOT.
one of my favorite gang: the TAIWAN RAPPERS :D
we went to see sherlock holmes and karaoke. it was way too fun!!
some random shots
on new year's eve i went out with Melinda, whom i haven't seen for quite some time!
we went karaoke-ing (yes, i am a karaoke addict! haha)
(photos were taken from my iPod Touch, so forgive me for the poor resolution)
talked about a lot of stuffs! went home early, at about 4 pm since both of us already had plans with our families for new year's eve. really looking forward to seeing her again!
GOLDEN THUMB UPDATE
i've made the top ten list but i think it still needs to be revised. i haven't watched movies like The Adventures of Tintin, The Three Musketeers, Johnny English Reborn, Real Steel, Puss in Boots, Hugo, and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, which I think might snatch a place in the top ten. With the school and tuitions back on, I'm still having trouble in buying the dvds and making time to see the movies. So...stay tuned, okays?
Oh, and I went to google to search for 2012, new year images, and I found this cutest pic!
#2012wish: Study in Germany!
What's YOUR #2012wish?
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Wednesday, December 28, 2011, 10:00 PM
Like I promised, I'm gonna be posting the results of 2011 Golden Thumb Awards for TV and Music. The Film categories will be announced early next year!
Though a remake, the new Hawaii Five-O created by one of my favorite people in showbiz, JJ Abrams, is wicked. Nowadays I'm kinda fed up with the police-procedural genre, since it's basically only solving crimes and stuff, but Hawaii offers a lot more action and explosions, car chases, much like a 1-hour-long action movie. Each of the cast have their own unique characters, not just for cameos to cheer on the main cast. Plus, the series ended with an ingenious cliffhanger. Another hit by JJ Abrams!
Nominees:
How I Met Your Mother (Season 6), House (Season 7), Glee (Season 2), The Voice, The Big Bang Theory (Season 4), The Vampire Diaries (Season 2), True Blood (Season 4), Nikita (Season 1), Teen Wolf (Season 1)
Maggie Q succeeded in bringing this soul to Nikita. She managed to portray this cold-blooded killer and a caring guardian for Alex. Her poker face is perfect and those stunts that she has to do... WOW.
Nominees:
Kaley Cuoco as Penny - The Big Bang Theory, Anna Paquin as Sookie Stackhouse - True Blood, Nina Dobrev as Elena Gilbert - The Vampire Diaries, Lea Michele as Rachel Berry - Glee
Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester is irreplaceable. Nobody does cranky yet lovable character like Jane. After two seasons, Sue is still as crazy and as irritating as ever. But then in the episode where Sue's sister died, we get to see this soft side of Sue and how she was so upset by her sister's death. And yes, Jane Lynch portrays sad Sue perfectly! Golden Thumbs Up!
Nominees:
Rutina Wesley as Tara Thornton - True Blood, Lyndsy Fonseca as Alex - Nikita, Amber Tamblyn as Martha M Masters - House, Sandra Oh as Christina Yang - Grey's Anatomy
Sheldon Cooper is essentially the 'life' of The Big Bang Theory. He's one of those fussy and annoying character but we still love him, despite all of his 'uniqueness'. He's the source of Big Bang's jokes and I think Big Bang won't survive without Sheldon. I'm always laughing like mad whenever he creates another 'chaos'. And he doesn't even have to try to be funny or like say jokes or whatever. What I love about him in season 4 is his 'relationship' with Amy Farrah Fowler. Super hilarious!
Nominees:
Hugh Laurie as House - House, Alex O' Loughlin as Steve McGarett - Hawaii Five-O, Neil Patrick Harris as Barney Stinson - How I Met Your Mother, Alexander Skaarsgard as Eric Northman - True Blood
Screw Scott McCall, I'm Team Stiles!! Dylan O'Brien is perfect as Stiles. Stiles may not be buffed or macho but he's cute! And he's hilarious. Whenever things in Teen Wolf gets a little scary and suspenseful he always has this funny one-liners to break the ice.
Here's one of his most memorable quote in Teen Wolf!
Stiles’ Dad: So you lied to me.
Stiles: That depends on how you define lying.
Stiles’ Dad: Well, I define it as not telling the truth. How do you define it?
Stiles: Reclining your body in a horizontal position?
Nominees:
Chris Colfer as Kurt Hummel - Glee, Nelsan Ellis as Lafayette Reynolds - True Blood, Michael Trevino as Matt - The Vampire Diaries, Masi Oka as Max - Hawaii Five-O
Nominees:
Nikita, Pretty Little Liars, Teen Wolf, The Voice
While some people may think that what make HIMYM funny is Barney, as the series progresses you get to see the other character is as important and as hilarious as Barney. And they have this weird inside jokes like dopplegangers, the slap bet, Barney's bro code, etc. This is one of the series that stays strong without any additional main characters--just like FRIENDS!
The series gets funnier and funnier every season. Some of the jokes are kind of nerdy but if you get it it's actually really funny! Even though the show's strongest cast is Sheldon, but the other casts are interesting to watch as well. I'm really rooting for Penny and Leonard to go back!
Nominees:
Neil Patrick Harris as Barney Stinson - How I Met Your Mother, Dylan O'Brien as Stiles Stilinski - Teen Wolf, Hugh Laurie as House - House
BBC's series are usually dull and boring but Sherlock is not the case. It's a miniseries consisted of 3 1,5-hour-long episodes. It tells the story of Sherlock Holmes, but in modern time. He's as annoying as Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes movie, but I think, here, he's a little more mature and, of course, tech-savvy. You get to see more of his astounding deduction skills. Can't wait for the next installment of the series next year!
They say a picture says a thousand words. Well, here it is.... isn't he just the hottest teacher ever? I would kill to have a teacher like this at school!
Nominees:
Alex O' Loughlin as Steve McGarrett - Hawaii Five-O, Cory Monteith as Finn Hudson - Glee, Darren Criss as Blaine - Glee, Ian Somerhalder as Damon Salvatore - The Vampire Diaries
I've been rooting for Sookie and Eric since season 2! And now FINALLY! They're together! Too bad it's only for like, a couple of episodes. Definitely want to see Sookie and Eric instead of Sookie and Bill in the future!
Nominees:
Cory Monteith & Lea Michele - Glee, Tyler Posey & Crystal Reed - Teen Wolf, Hugh Laurie & Lisa Edelstein - House, Ian Harding & Lucy Hale - Pretty Little Liars
This year, the best villain award is won by a TV character instead of a movie! Yes, for those of you who watched Teen Wolf, then you surely know how scary the Alpha is. And I found out it was Peter Hale, I was like, Whaaaaaatttt?? This is the guy who's turned into a vegetable basically, and suddenly he's the big bad most powerful wolf? Not even Lord Voldemort is as scary as him. No, I'm not kidding.
When I first heard the song I was instantly hooked. It remains on my most-played for about 6 months. I still kinda have chills when I listen to the song. The sound is super creative. Panic! at the Disco sticks to what they do best, creating this theatrical-pop-rock songs while the world is all about dance and disco songs with lyrics that are so degrading for women. The video is very unique, with the victorian funeral concept. Plus, Brendon Urie's voice is just ah-ma-zing. The lyrics is a little bit hard to understand, but that's forgivable. Ha ha. I don't know why they can't be as famous as Paramore or Fall Out Boy. They're SO good. This band is seriously underrated.
Nominees:
E.T - Katy Perry, Someone Like You - Adele, A Thousand Years - Christina Perri, Rain Over Me - Pitbull ft. Marc Anthony, On The Floor - Jennifer Lopez ft. Pitbull , Sing - My Chemical Romance, Rolling In The Deep - Adele, Party Rock Anthem - LMFAO, 'Till the World Ends - Britney Spears
One of the very few albums in which I LOVE all of the tracks. From the upbeat Ready to Go (Get Me Out Of My Mind), to the mellow Always, Brendon's voice never cease to astonish me. The highlight is Sarah Smiles. The sounds used in there is unlike anything I've heard before I don't even know what instruments they were using. Oh and did you know? Sarah Smiles is written by Brendon for her girlfriend, Sarah. She is one lucky girl.
Adele proves that what you need to succeed is your voice. She may not have that hot body or famous for scandals or her boyfriends. What she has is her voice. That amazing to-die-for voice is one of a kind. And her song...wow... I nearly cried when I listened to Someone Like You for the first time! The world needs more Adele! Yeah!
Nominees:
Katy Perry, Pitbull, Lady GaGa, Taylor Swift
Though he didn't have any new album this year, Bruno Mars is still my #1 male singer. His voice is perfect for rapper-vocal collaborations (Just listen to Nothing On You, Billionaire, and his most recent one, Lighters). His songs are romantic and catchy, anndd...he's not involved in those dramas like other entertainers, which made me love him more.
She caught my attention with Jar of Hearts, but what makes her the best newcomer is her latest song for Breaking Dawn, A Thousand Years. The perfect wedding song! :p
Who could forget On The Floor? While I don't really pay much attention to Pitbull's part in the collaboration, listening to the song really makes you want to just get on the floor and DANCE!
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