The Good Dinosaur Review

When a Dino meets a boy. 

The Good Dinosaur Review – Forget about human getting a pet, what if human becomes a pet…for a Dinosaur instead?

Arlo meet Spot!
Spot meet Arlo! 

A family of Apatosaurus Dinosaur welcomes new addition to their family by the name of Bucky, Libby and the tiny Arlo. Day in day out the family ‘work’ on their corn farm with a slight thief problem by a critter. Since Arlo can’t do much heavy work, his Papa assigns him to catch the ‘crook’. However when Arlo failed to follow the instruction, Papa gets upset and force Arlo to track the caveboy. Unfortunately nature has another plan for them. Only Arlo makes it back and once again encounter the caveboy. During the confrontation, both Arlo and the boy accidently falls into the river and are swept far away from their farm. Up next both the Dinosaur and caveboy, named Spot by Arlo have to figure out their way back home. A strong bond is formed in a dangerous yet exciting adventure. Can this ‘odd couple’ make it back alive or end up as a fossil?

Hello from Arlo! 

First of all…the good part…the stunning visual! It is simply breath taking to ‘see’ the valley, mountain, river and what not all captured in a splendid graphic. Until at one point my friend was wondering if it was animation or portrayal of a actual scenery. It was that real looking. Plus the top notch sound to match the vivid sight. It was a gift for the eye and ears to witness such wonder. The bad part…well…pretty much the weak storyline which seemed to mix a little too much of previous Disney stories such The Lion King, Ice Age and even the latest Inside Out. Speaking of which, after releasing such an awesome animation about inner feelings, The Good Dinosaur felt a little below par. This one is definitely catered more for the kids. Alas I did enjoy myself watching two totally different species becoming good friends.

Making new friends! With T-rex no less! 

Overall it’s another enjoyable homerun for Pixar this time taking us back to millions of years ago when Dinosaur roamed the Earth. 

Walk in early so you won't miss this adorable Pixar's short film! 

P/s - Thank you talkFILM for the tickets! 

Victor Frankenstein Review

When a wizard and mutant combine force. 

Victor Frankenstein Review – You know the name but do you know the story?

Think that's a good idea? 

A hunchback (Daniel ‘Harry Potter’ Radcliffe) has never been outside of the circus until stumbling upon Victor Frankenstein (James ‘Professor X’ McAvoy) by chance. Upon discovering the genius mind of the said hunchback, Victor decides to ‘free’ and give him a new lease of life. Turning on a new leaf, Igor slowly becomes Victor’s partner-in-science out to make history. Together they discover a way to ‘create’ life. Their ambition however takes a spin into a dangerous path. With humanity being at stake, will they ‘creation’ withstand one person greedy ambition to redeem his part mistake?

The players...sort of

Two big names in the film industry sadly is not enough to avoid the many flaws that the movie carries. There are so many plot holes which were covered by the noisy special effects. A non-existing storyline didn’t help much either. The only saving grace was leads performance which otherwise would have turned this movie into an ugly monster just like the title. I really don’t see the point of this film being made, except for just maybe to satisfy the ego of some people with loads of money to come out with another so-called flick about a famous beast.

Come back with a better movie please you two! 

I’m sorry Daniel and James but both of you are worth more than what this monstrous disaster of the movie have to offer. 

P/s - Thank you Budieydotcom for the preview pass. 

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 Review

One last aim ey Mockingjay? 

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 Review – Another saga comes to an end.

One last 'reunion'? 

The final part of the hunger games starts off where it ‘cliff-hanged’ in part 1 when Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) who was rescued from the Capitol attacks Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence). This creates more tension between them while Katniss is also figuring out how to defeat President Snow (Donald Sutherland). She finally agrees to join a team of ‘Stars’ to enter Snow’s mansion to overthrow him and turn Panem into a more liberal nation. The journey however is not easy as once again they are faced with many unsuspecting obstacles set up by Snow to try to stop the so called rebels. A game of cat and mouse pursues that slowly reveals some individuals real intention in joining the fight against the Capitol. The battle between the both side cost more lives and in the end will it go to waste or be worth it? 

Lesser of evil two or evil with a different face? 

Jennifer Lawrence has come a long way since The Hunger Games started its journey 2012. With an Oscar and few other blockbusters under her belt she truly is the Girl in Fire. Even with bigger names associated to the franchise including Oscar winners themselves namely, Julianne Moore and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jennifer managed to carry her role as Katniss really well. Heck, it even sparked real life Mockingjay kind of situation. Remember the Hong Kong umbrella thingy? Anyhow too much focus on Katniss did however take away the thunder from other characters being reduced to mere guest roles. I would have liked if Stanley Tucci, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson  and even Josh or Liam getting a bit more screen time than just playing second fiddle to Jennifer. Even the storyline felt a bit bland except for some action scenes thrown in that otherwise what would have been a snooze fest. Despite being split into two parts finale, it felt like some important part of the plot have been left out while other section was dragged too much.  

Finally fly for free? 

After a great start to the series the ending was not what I was hoped for albeit a happy one. It was more like a roller coaster ride that seems awesome to look at but not so fun to ride on. Oh well…at least the odd was in favour of Katniss.

P/s - The Hunger Games - Mockingjay - Part 1 review

TIKI BBQ BUFFET DINNER WITH STEAMBOAT AT KONTIKI RESTAURANT, FEDERAL HOTEL, KUALA LUMPUR

Welcome to Kontitki Restaurant! 

A few weeks ago I received an invitation from Projek Travel to join them to try out the new BBQ Buffet Dinner with Steamboat at Kontiki Restaurant in Federal Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. Being a huge seafood and steamboat ‘eater’ it was foodie dream come true for me. 

Yum yum yummmmmmmm

The moment I arrived, my eyes was already sending ‘food-formation’ to my tummy that I am going to a ‘food-mazing’ time trying out as much dishes as possible that was served. However, I had to control my craving beforehand and snap pictures first to capture the beautiful way the grubs was displayed. 

Look at that spreadddddd!!! 

The array of Seafood On Ice is a great way to start as appetisers. Waiting to swim in your tummy are fresh crab, prawns, ‘slipper lobster’, yabbies’ and oyster. It is guaranteed party in your belly kinda catch!

Oyyyy.....want some oyster???

As for the main dish one can opt for either BBQ or steamboat style. Or if you stomach agrees, why not go for both? The BBQ is prepared by experienced Chefs with ingredients ranging from sausage, chicken wing, squid, prawn, crabs among others, all of which had already been marinated. 

Flame on!!! 

Whilst if you pick the steamboat, your choice of items are from seafood, dumpling, tofu, mushrooms, noodles and varieties of fresh vegetables. 

Take your pick! 

The soup offered is both the chicken and tom yam flavoured. You could go no wrong with such tasty options. 

From the plate to the 'pot'! 

All-u-can-'steamgradients! 

Another corner that may entice your appetite is the ‘roasted section’, serving hot roasted lamb rack, prime ribs, chicken and also baked whole salmon fish. You can have it with a choice of mint, mushroom, black pepper, rosemary or white cream herb sauces. 

'Roar'sted and ready to go!

I have to admit, it was the first time I ever ‘saw’ a ‘full figured’ salmon fish. 

Salmonnnnnnnnnn!!!

I opted for the lamb rack and it was simply delicious.  

Come to Mama!!! 

Coming back to the main buffet, there are several dishes, such as Thai Green Curry Chicken, Chicken Rice, sushi, salads, along with delectable desserts waiting to be devoured. 

'Dancing' desserts! 

How to resist when it looks this good? 

My personal favourite was the Lamb Stew! I helped myself to two serving and I’m still salivating over it! That’s one good lamb stew I tell ya! Yummy yum yum. 

I'm still dreaming of this tasty Lamb Stew! 

I hope I got your attention with my description of the scrumptious spread but don’t just take my word for it. Get over Kontiki Restaurant in Federal Hotel, Kuala Lumpur with your family or friends to savour the best taste with a great value for money.

Come one! Come all! 

Price for Tiki BBQ Buffet & Steamboat Dinner :

RM128 adult

RM78 kids / senior citizens

Days :

Friday and Saturday

Time :

6.30pm until 10.00pm

For reservation please contact

03-21489166

Below are the social media links to Kontiki Restaurant.

Website

Twitter

Instagram

Facebook 

  

Kontiki Restaurant at Federal Hotel Kuala Lumpur

I would like to thank Project Travel for the invite and Kontiki Restaurant in Federal Hotel, Kuala Lumpur for the lovely treat! 

With the boys from Projek Travel!
Thanks for the invite guys! 

* picture credits to Projek Travel and Kontiki Restaurant.

Thoongavanam Review

The legend is back once again! 

Thoongavanam Review – Kamal’s back with another Deepavali release with a remake of a French movie.

Like father, like son? 

Diwakar (Kamal Haasan) is attached with Narcotics Control Bureau who stumbles upon a large amount of drug with his partner on duty. While on his way to try and find out who is the mole in his department, his son is kidnapped by a club owner cum drug dealer, Vittal Rao (Prakash Raj) in exchange for the bag containing the drugs. Also hot on his heels is another police officer, Mallika (Trisha) who suspects that Diwakar is involved with the drug ring. Left with no choice Diwakar brings the bag to Vittal’s club and all hell breaks loose when misunderstanding and confusion takes over the situation. Will Diwakar be able to save his son and clear his name? 

#amekko!!! version Kamal Haasan! 

No words to describe the brilliance of Kamal Hasaan in this movie just like any of his movies. This legend is simply brilliant, period. Kudos to his supporting cast as well because both Trisha and Prakash were superb as an officer and crook respectively. One ‘weird’ thing was there were no ‘sing and dance’ scene in the movie at all. The location was also pretty much revolved around the club, Insomia. Since it is a remake, the storyline was already there, it just needed the ‘Kamal effect’ which he managed to infuse with the usual comedy line and action sequence.

Sleepless Night...indeed. 

 Kamal is one of the rare gem in the cinema world and time and again have proved that he can act, sing, produce and direct unlike the rest of the talents out there. I will continue to appreciate his art and look forward to more amazing tricks his has up his sleeves. Get your family to enjoy his latest offering and hopefully you will enjoy it as much as I did. 

Spectre Review

No....he's not Ethan Hunt...this is James Bond 

Spectre Review – Bond is back (what else is new?)

Really...he is back! 

James Bond (Daniel Craig) unknowingly discovers that an organisation (Spectre) is behind the recent disturbing events (you know the usual bombing and killing of innocent people) happening around the world. Naturally he goes around digging for more information while his new boss, M (Ralph Fiennes) is stuck in headquarters trying to convince his soon-to-be-boss, C (Andrew Scott ) that James Bond is not a rouge agent and that the 007 programme is still needed in the modern era. (Pardon me but it sounds tad too similar to the latest Mission Impossible : Rouge Nation storyline, watch and you will understand what I mean) Anyway, as usual Bond sets on his mission to bring the person responsible to face the justice. Turns out it has some connection to James’s past. Yada yada yada…Seriously…Spectre has nothing new to offer so I don’t think I need to elaborate too much on plot (if there’s any there is).  

The Director and the 'Baddies'

Before anything else, let me put this out…my favourite Bond is Pierce Brosnan. Daniel Craig on the other hand seems to lack something (I’m not sure what it is though). This is Craig’s final Bond flick and sadly he ends on a weak note (in my opinion). Skyfall would have been a better swan song for him instead. From the not so memorable theme song by Sam Smith to the weakest Bond girls (Monica Bellucci’s role is totally wasted here!) and lame villain (why Christoph Waltz? Why?), Spectre failed to hit the mark. Heck even Q (Ben Whishaw) has been turned into a mere tech guy instead of handing out super cool gadgets like the old Q used to do. Action fans may enjoy the occasional car chase or explosion scenes but as a movie in whole…am sorry it just appears as wannabe of its past spy-self. 

'Bonding' of the Bond girls. 

With Mission Impossible still going strong after five releases and new spy emerging in form of Kingsman, James Bond have to buck up its franchise or remain a shadow of its former glory and fade into abyss.

Best part of the preview, posing ala Bond with my friends. 

P/s - Thank you Star2 for the preview tickets!  

“Don't worry, social media is not that scary. We're just dying to see you"

Recently I was invited to 1 Utama Shopping Centre's first Halloween Social Media Celebration held from 30 October - 1 November 2015 at GF Promenade in front of TGIF!

BOOOOOOOO!!! 

As soon as I reached the venue it was already buzzing with on lookers and shoppers taking part to win some awesome goodies offered in exchange for giving One Utama’s social media links a quick ‘like’ or ‘follow’.

Happy shoppers trying their luck! 

Below are their social media link, do check them out for the latest happening at World’s 4^th largest Mall as certified by CNN. They have plenty of events taking place almost all year round.

Facebook 

Twitter

Instagram

YouTube

Website 

Add, like or follow!!! 

Now back to Halloween Social Media Celebration, there were few booths set up from ‘Trick or Tweet’ and spin the ‘Wheel of Horror’ to redeem creepy gifts. 

I tweeted, spunned and claimed my reward. Did you get one too? 

A photo booth with eerie costumes for shoppers to try on and snap picture and later receive a complimentary print out once they upload it to Instagram. 

Posing time!!! 

Instant print out upon uploading to Instagram! Yeay! 

While a simple Facebook ‘like’ similarly gets you tasty treats such as cotton candy and popcorn.

I got my yummy cotton candy!!! 

Kids were not left out as close by was the DIY Halloween keychain and spooky cupcakes workshop to bring out their creative side.

Something for the kids to participate. 

‘Interesting’ ghostly characters were seen roaming around but do not be scared as ‘they’ politely obliged to pose for a picture or two. 

One for the 'family' album.

Meanwhile, standing by were stalls by retail partners such as Cold Storage, Balloon Wonderland, TGV Cinemas, S&J, 320 Below & Life Juice selling accessories and candies for customers to purchase. One could also get freaky face painting if you wanted to spook your friend.

Great props to set the mood. 

Goodies galore!!! 

Without realizing I was having so much fun going around trying all the fun activities and redeeming my rewards for Halloween. With these exciting Halloween themed promotions line ups and all kinds of different specialty stores, each unique in their own way, shoppers definitely had an amazing time with friends and family at 1 Utama Shopping Centre.

Would you like to be my 'dead' please? 

“Don't worry, social media is not that scary. We're just dying to see you" campaign was a huge success. 

Bravo 1 Utama Shopping Centre!!! 

I’m already looking forward to the next event they have planned in the future.

One Utama. It’s all in One.