Legend Of The Fist: The Return Of Chen Zhen

Synopsis: A continuation of the 1995 television series Fist of Fury, Donnie Yen reprises his role as Chen Zhen, a role made famous by Bruce Lee in "Fist Of Fury" (1972). The film is set seven years after the apparent death of Chen Zhen, who was shot after discovering who was responsible for his teacher's death in Japanese-occupied Shanghai. A mysterious stranger arrives from overseas and befriends a local mafia boss. That man is a disguised Chen Zhen, who intends to infiltrate the mob when they form an alliance with the Japanese. Disguising himself as a caped fighter by night, Chen intends to take out everyone involved as well as get his hands on an assassination list prepared by the Japanese. [Source: Yahoo! Singapore Movies]

Oh my, when Donnie Yen took off his clothes during the last fighting scene, his body shape is so tone and good that it almost look fake! Girls... take note ya? *hint* Overall speaking, this is a good gong fu show. Donnie Yen depicted Chen Zhen very well in the movie, with his superb reflexes and his fighting skills. There is a few remnant of Ye Wen in the movie, particularly with his 1 vs 20 scene, which of course he won. However, the tone for the movie throughout is quite dark, with many deaths, torture scenes and blood spilling everywhere. For the ending fight, in my opinion, it is quite disappointing. I have expected a classic showdown, with both fighting their guts out to the end, but unexpectedly Donnie end it like 30 seconds? In spite of all these, the movie is still a good catch for the month.

Rate: 7.5/10

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• Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen (Jingwu fengyun: Chen Zhen) (variety.com)

Notron 360 V3.0

It is time of the year again to do a little investment, to save you hours of agony troubleshooting. A summary of what it has done for the last year:

Intrusion Prevention: 95 attempts blocked

Virus and Spyware: 33 threats detected

Authenticated Sites: 4784

Phishing Sites: 516 blocked

Files Cleanup: 141696 files removed

Disks Optimised: 1326 files defragmented

Conclusion: The $ is worth it.

Norton 360

FUGA gathering

It has been a long time since we last met up, more often than not, usually over some one's birthday. This time, the place to have our dinner was decided to be at Rakuzen, Millenia Walk. GZ finally is able to set out some free time from his packed schedule to come and meet us and finally the core FUGA group is complete! We have a nice chat over a wide range of topic (from work related, to who-can-give-the-most-emo-look, to a gay social network on Iphone, and discovering the horror that there are so many of them within a 700m radius) until 11pm in the night before retiring for home. I really wonder how the gay app end up in *ahem Iphone? When shall our next meet up be?

Catching Up

A year has past since we last met, glad that everyone is still doing well, less the usual complaint about jobs =p Met up with YB, YL and one surprise guest TL!!

Started the day with a buffet at Seafood International market and restaurant, after which we sang to our heart content with a 3 hour K @ $5 ppax. Ended with a full western dinner at Suntec.

Can you believe this is the cost of a 4 person meal? =p

Lets hope we meet up soon again. Hmm, Cedar Point in 2 years??

The Expendables

Synopsis: Fearless Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone) is leader of a tight-knit band of men - Lee Christmas (Jason Statham), ex-SAS and skilled with any bladed weapon; Yin Yang (Jet Li), a close combat master; Hale Caesar (Terry Crews), a long-barrel weapons specialist; Toll Road (Randy Couture), a skilled demolitions expert; and Gunnar Jensen (Dolph Lundgren), a veteran in precision sniping. When the mysterious Church offers Barney a job no one else would take, the team embark on what appears to be a routine mission: overthrow General Gaza (David Zayas), the murderous dictator of the small island country of Vilena. There, Barney and Christmas meet Sandra (Giselle Itie), a local freedom fighter with a dark secret. They also learn the true enemy - rogue ex-CIA operative James Monroe (Eric Roberts) and his henchman Paine (Steve Austin). When things go wrong, Barney and Christmas are forced to leave Sandra for dead. Haunted by this failure, they return to Vilena to finish the job he started. [Source: Yahoo! Singapore Movies]

From the dictionary, the word "expendable" can also be defined as dispensable, and for this meaning, the movie truly lives up to its name. Totally plotless, except for the 6 gentleman above going around shooting mindlessly and throwing blades everywhere killing those trying to stop them, I really cannot describe this movie further. Sometimes, I really wonder how the company of 6 can defeat a small army of 100+ soldiers without suffering any casualty? =p Well, if you want to catch up with some of the actors for old timers sake, please feel free to watch this movie, but be warn, don't get your hopes too high~

Rate: 5/10

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One Year Older

Thanks to the 8 people who still remembers and had wish me happy birthday through letters, SMS and Facebook, it really warms my heart. Growing older may sometimes not be a good choice. With it comes heavier responsibility and tougher decisions to make. Of course, you will feel your good old body aging, which is quite a scary thought. How to pass IPPT like that? Oh well, enough of these negative thoughts for the time being....

To save the best for the last, I want to thank *mds* for the wonderful night~ =)

Step Up 3

Synopsis: New York's intense street dancing underground comes alive in eye-popping Digital 3D in the third installment of the "Step Up" franchise as the raw, passion-fuelled culture goes global. A tight-knit group of street dancers, including Luke (Rick Malambri) and Natalie (Sharni Vinson), team up with NYU freshman Moose (Adam Sevani), and find themselves pitted against the world's best breakdancers in a high-stakes showdown that will change their lives forever. [Source: Yahoo! Singapore Movies]

In summary, if hip-hop and break dance is the thing for you, then you will love this movie! For the entire 108 minutes, break dancing took up almost 50% of the movie, with the occasional ballroom and musical intervals in between. The ending choreography is something creative, using LED lights to create some visual effects. That is considered a little thumb up for the director. For me, I think I suffered a little break dance overdose. So, if you are a fan of breakdance, go for this movie!

Rate: 6.5/10

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Phua Chu Kang The Movie

Synopsis: The plot revolves around Phua Chu Kang (Gurmit Singth) being persuaded by his mother Ah Ma (Neo Swee Lin) to bid for a contract to renovate the Heaven Can Wait old folk's home owned by the unscrupulous Lim Lau Pek (Henry Thia). Although he is not sure why Ah Ma wants so badly for him to get the job, he agrees to do it anyway when he finds out that his arch-rival Frankie Foo (Lim Kay Siu) is also bidding for the same contract.

Don't Play Play!! Haha, it is still a joy to watch Phua Chu Kang again all these years, going about his usual nonsense. The length of the movie is just right, because any longer will make the movie a drag. Don't go in with high expectation though, as this movie is not really that good. But if you are looking for an evening to unwind yourself, why not try this movie for a few laugh?

Rate: 6/10

Salt

Synopsis: Angelina Jolie plays Evelyn Salt, a CIA officer who swore an oath to duty, honour, and country. When she is accused by a defector of being a Russian sleeper spy, Salt goes on the run to clear her name and ultimately prove she is a patriot. Using all her skills and years of experience as a covert operative, she must elude capture and protect her husband or the world's most powerful forces will erase any trace of her existence. [Source: Yahoo! Singapore Movies]

Who exactly is Salt? Is she with the Russian or the American? The movie in itself is pretty confusing, not to mention that it doesn't have a beginning or ending to start with. Just when the movie is trying to portray that she is innocent, it turns out the other way round, and just as suddenly, the table is turned again. The reason? Because of the love for her husband. But then, with the kind of brain washing and drilling that she had when she was a child, this doesn't really make sense. Setting this aside, the movie in general is a no brainer. Just sit back and enjoy the fast pace action.

Rate: 6/10

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MS Office Professional Plus 2010

You will never believe the price that I have paid for this...

Inception

Synopsis: Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a skilled thief: stealing valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious during the dream state when the mind is at its most vulnerable. Cobb's rare ability has made him a coveted player in this treacherous new world of corporate espionage, but it has also made him an international fugitive and cost him everything he has ever loved. Now Cobb is being offered a chance at redemption. One last job could give him his life back but only if he can accomplish the impossible - inception. Instead of the perfect heist, Cobb and his team of specialists have to pull off the reverse; their task is not to steal an idea but to plant one. But no amount of careful planning or expertise can prepare the team for the dangerous enemy that seems to predict their every move. [Source: Yahoo! Singapore Movies]

Totally blown away! Marvelous, not to be miss! That is my opinion for this movie. Interesting concept, exploring the possibility of dreams in dreams and the power to extract and plant information into human brain subconsciously. I did have a encounter before of dream in dream, and according to the movie, I only managed to enter the "second layer", but I tell you, the experience was really scary, not knowing when are you returning to reality. The movie in itself is quite challenging to understand, and it leaves the viewers to interpret for themselves the real ending for the movie. In summary, a movie not to be miss for this summer. The power of the human mind is endless!

Rate: 9/10

Nodame Cantabile - The Finale

Synopsis: "Nodame Cantabile - The Finale" proceeds to reveal what happens after Chiaki Shinichi (Hiroshi Tamaki) excelled in his first job as the conductor of Le Marlet Orchestra, although he was given little resources as he can get. But after all the conflict where Nodame (Juri Ueno) was replaced by Son Rui (Yu Yamada) even though she was selected by Chiaki to play Ravel's "Bolero" with the orchestra, will there be a happy ending for Nodame and Chiaki? [Source: Yahoo! Singapore Movies]

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Finally, the episode is complete! Though not as funny as the previous episode, but the second installment has more in depth character developments. It shows Nodame struggle to excel as a world class pianist and how she almost gave up when faced with multiple obstacles. In the end, the ever funny maestro saves the day. Be wowed by the multiple classics in the movie. =)

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Rate: 7/10

G-702BD-1A

My answer to getting a watch that will less likely to spoil when accidentally dropped onto a floor.

G-Shock!

NDP Rehersal

Managed to get some tickets to this year NDP rehearsal, thank to my brother. =) Work hard to serve the country k~ The usual parade contingent. But then, since when is Singtel, Keppel and Sembcrop involved???

Too bad that day was drizzling, spoils the mood~
The rehearsal ended with the usual fireworks display. All in all, this year NDP was in my opinion, boring!! Think I will skip the TV when August 9 comes~ Hmmm.

Knight and Day

Synopsis: Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz star in the action-comedy "Knight & Day". During their glamorous and sometimes deadly adventure, nothing and no one - even the now fugitive couple - are what they seem. Amid shifting alliances and unexpected betrayals, they race across the globe, with their survival ultimately hinging on the battle of truth versus trust. [Source: Yahoo! Singapore Movies]

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Typical concept of double crossing and justice seeking, the plot is just typical Hollywood style. The only good point is to watch Tom Crusie racing across the world whacking the hell out of the bad guys as if he is invincible. Cameron Diaz does provide some laughter in between though with her silly actions. In general, this action flick is pretty average, watch it only if you have the spare cash and time.

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Rate: 6/10

Day of fun and relax

The day started at Vivo
with garlic bread as starters

pasta as main course

and of course BBQ chicken at just $15!

Watch 2 movies and end the day eating Maggie mee (which is not so nice).

I think I am getting fat. Time to start running next week. *oops*

She's out of my League

Synopsis: Kirk, an average Joe, can't believe his luck. Though he's stuck in a seemingly dead-end job as an airport security agent, against all odds Molly, a successful and outrageously gorgeous babe falls for him. Kirk is stunned. So are his friends, his family and even his ex-girlfriend. Now he has to figure out how to make the relationship work, even though he's the first to admit - "She's Out of My League". [Source: Yahoo! Singapore Movies]

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A cheap chick flick, it can really brighten you up and de-stress you with some non-sensible laughs. The show is about Kirk, low on self esteem and your average Joe (who only managed a scale of 5 out of 10 according to his friends), is about to have a girl (who is on a scale 10 out of 10) falling for him. Getting (sometimes not helpful) advices from his friends, he tries to make his relationship works, but most of the times, it ends up in disasters. It's enjoying to watch him end up in tight situation and trying to wiggle his way out of them. One bad point is the amount of swearing on the movie set. Well, the movie is NC-16 for a reason. Don't mind the plot though, it doesn't really make sense.

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Rate: 6/10

The A-team

Synopsis: American action adventure about a fictional group of ex-United States Army Special Forces who work as soldiers of fortune while being on the run from the military for a "crime they didn't commit". A group of Iraq War trying to take opportunities to clear their name with the U.S military from being committing a crime for which they were framed. [Source: Yahoo! Singapore Movies]
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This movie is simply hilarious! Consisting of 4 former USA commando rangers, they can accomplish anything that seems impossible. Don't believe me? Well, say trying to steer a tank on parachute in mid-air by firing shots, evading the heat seeking missile by shutting off all flying engines, hijacking a personal by throwing him off building to be pick up by an airplane? The things they did are totally insane and out of the world, but nonetheless, effective. I totally laugh my heads off. A fantastic movie to catch, but too bad one of the cast is filmed as an air phobia air-borne soldier suffering from trauma from the Mexico mission, so have fun watching him getting knock out before boarding a plane every time and fall to the floor right in the face! *Ouch*
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Rate: 7.5/10

The Karate Kid

Synopsis: 12-year-old Dre Parker (Jaden Smith) could've been the most popular kid in Detroit, but his mother's (Taraji P. Henson) latest career move has landed him in China. Dre immediately falls for his classmate Mei Ying and the feeling is mutual, but cultural differences make such a friendship impossible. Even worse, Dre's feelings make an enemy of the class bully, Cheng. In the land of kung fu, Dre knows only a little karate, and Cheng puts the "karate kid" on the floor with ease. With no friends in a strange land, Dre has nowhere to turn but maintenance man Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), who is secretly a master of kung fu. As Han teaches Dre that kung fu is not about punches and parries, but maturity and calm, Dre realises that facing down the bullies will be the fight of his life. [Source: Yahoo! Singapore Movies]

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Well, not so much a "Karate" to speak of in the movie, in fact, it is all about Chinese Kung Fu. Maybe, they should have re-named the movie title to "The Kung-fu Kid" instead. Well, the whole movie in general is pretty average. Jacky Chan is getting old, there is not so much of his usual flying, kicking and superman stuns like his old days. For the scenery wise, China does offer pretty spectacular natural views. It really makes you awe at the works of nature and God. In general, an ok movie to watch, but not a must.

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Rate: 6/10

In Memory, you live (2)

Goodbye grandma, may you rest in peace~