World Cup :: 2010

So, finally, kick off. A good batch of games have been checked down the list already. Some exciting, a lot of  disappointments and millions of confused Chinese people cheering for England. 

Oh, and noobs that can't get their heads straight .

Hong Kong kinda sucks recently and there ain't much to do in this damn heat. Feel like dim sums in a steamer basket the humidity is insane. The BP crap ain't helping either I wonder what James Cameron has up his sleeves...If he pulls this one off he's heading straight to the history books.

Recent Films :: Kick-Ass

Kick-Ass
★★★★★★★★☆☆ (8/10)

Bad-Ass film. Just gonna say dunno how they did it but it was a good blend of humor and violence. There's a dark side to it and it's Rated-R in HK so don't be taking your kids to this movie coz this little girl ↓

was ass-kicking beyond words. Could be influential.

Chatroulette :: やってみた

この前某サイトでChatroullete (チャット・ルーレット)の存在を知り、おもしろそうなのでやってみた。

いや～笑わせて頂きました。

コンセプトは簡単：ランダムで世界中の人々のウェブカメラを繋げるサイト。

サイトに入ればすぐに捜索可能で気づいたらパッとカレー食べてるインド人が写っているという・・

チャットも出来るし、普通にＮＥＸＴで次ぎの相手も探せる。ちなみにこの前やってみたが・・・

（クリックで広大）

ここまでランダムとは思ってもいなかった。

左：第一印象、多分サウジあたり。軽くチャットしてたらまさかの"are you a hirikomori?"。多分ひきこもりといいたかったんだろう。サウジ(多分）からまさかの”あんたひきこもり？”である。

中：ちょっとうれしいひと時。しばらく観てたが顔はうつらず、後悔する前にＮＥＸＴ。

右：ノーコメント

自分のカメラは繋げなくてもいいので人見知りな方も安心。ただし一秒で飛ばされる可能性９９％（相手がＮＥＸＴをクリック）。

あと、もう一つ１８禁注意ですが、世界中に散らばる男性の方々が下半身を露出して「用をたしてる」場面に高い確率で遭遇するのであしからず。１８禁覚悟でお遊び下さい。間違っても会社でやらないでください。クビの責任は持ちません。

興味ある方はコチラ

chatroulette.com


追記：最近レイアウト変わったので↑の画像と少々違うかもしれません。（画面が上下じゃなくて左右）

ガキ :: 使

ガキの使いやあらへんで!!

こいつらに何回助けられたか。

Recent Films :: 2012

2012
★★★★★★★★☆☆(8/10)



Emmerich. This guy never gets enough. Either he's giving us all a message (in 3 attempts) or he just hates the human race and wants to wipe us off the face of the earth (3rd time now, I won't count Godzilla).

Gotta hand it to him though, y2k12 was way over my expectations. The title (and director) speaks for itself so there isn't much to say really. Story-wise at least. It's a great popcorn movie where you don't have to think much, sit back and just enjoy Emmerich do his thing to humans.



I read a few reviews and comments about the movie and I gotta say here, why the hell do they even look forward to plots in this movie. Not sure if you define "dumb" in world-end plots coz there's only one place to end up in. Oscar worthy? Not really but that's not really the point in this movie and all the creators probably know that. I take it as a message of how "dumb" "WE" are and the movie is a reflection of how things should be. But since we're too dumb to visualize it, it's been done for you. That's another significant part of the movie.

The CG is just...I don't even have a word for it. I respect all the CG's done in other movies but this one was just off the hook. The detail, realism, detail, and detail. The effects are at a scale beyond human imagination (like space), but Emmerich somehow puts the visuals to life, and hits us hard with it. I think that's one of the reasons why there's such a big impact. It's something we can't imagine happening, but it is portrayed so real it makes us believe in the happening. Like the first image. When you hear "worlds end", the first thing that pops in my head is a big explosion. Natural disaster? Maybe earthquakes. But who woulda thought the damn crust would shift like that? It may not happen like that, but it is portrayed so real that you believe it may happen that way. Independence day was a good example too. We knew we'd be seeing UFO's but goddamn I never thought they'd be city sized. But maybe the mofo aliens out there really have a city sized ride.

I kinda said I had nothing to say about this film but damn I just went on. Go watch it in the theaters. If you want dildo seats (which I recommend), go watch it in the Grand Cinema at ELEMENTS (HK). It's a different experience. Fuck iMax.

8pts for the "HOLY SHIT" effect.

Oh and John Cusack is the shit!

JIN :: 仁

夏が中々抜けない今日この頃のファッキン香港。そんな中、先月始まったのが秋ドラマ。「東京Dogs」、「ライアーゲーム２」と色々続くがダントツでおもしろいのがこの「JIN－仁ー」。


原作がマンガからとも知らず、内容が全く分からないまま観始めたのが幸いしたのか、予想外の展開にドップリはまってもぉた。

簡単に言うと幕末の江戸へタイムスリップした現代の医者がその時代の様々な病や人物と交流し、幕末の歴史に巻き込まれるSF医療ドラマ。ろくな医療器具も持たないままあの時代の病に対応していくアイデアがおもしろい。
初めはタイムスリップものと知って半信半疑で観てたんだが主人公が脳外科医と知ってかなり納得。結構おもしろいストーリーが期待出来そうな要素がたくさんありそうで今後も観ようかと。（現在第６話待ち）


あと大沢たかおと内野聖陽に脱帽。

東京零九 :: DQ9

ブログの右下をみて頂けると分かると思うが、今ドラクエやってます。国民的人気ＲＰＧでＤＳ持ってる人にドラクエありと言ってもイイほど人気だ。発売4日で国内出荷本数３００万本。鬼だろ。


そんなドラクエですが、今回はすれ違い通信ってのがあって、通信モードに入ると本体を閉じても同じ状態の人とすれ違ったらその人のデータが見れるというモノ。その人が宝の地図を持っていればすれ違った時地図も手に入る。すれ違った人数も増えると宿屋もレベルアップする仕組み。


今香港滞在でして、それをやろうと思ったんだが2週間頑張って一人もおらずＯｒ２、落ち込んでる時になんと東京行きの話が転がり込んでくる。これはラストチャンス！！！来年も東京いく予定だが、現実を冷静に見るとすれ違い通信はこれがラストチャンス・・来年（ってか来季）にはもうやってる奴は少ないだろう。

で、東京到着。ＪＲ入って通信をつけ、

開始３秒でソッコウ一人目が！

これは感動した。やはり日本大好きだ。つづけてつけといたら10秒も経たないうちに3人。ＪＲでしかつけないので限りはあったが香港帰るまでには50人とすれ違った。改めて日本が好きになった四日間である。

日々の音色 (Hibi No Neiro) :: MV by SOUR

I have no idea who these guys are nor listened to them before. Just know this MV(PV) hit me hard so I decided to look these guys up. Well, they're out with their first mini album "Water Flavor EP". Probably not gonna dig in but this vid is off the hook.

UPDATE: The video was taken down at Vimeo so here's a YouTube version. DAMMIT.

Recent Films :: Star Trek

Star Trek
★★★★★★★★☆☆ (8/10)


I remember when I was a kid, back in the #0's when I turned on the TV and saw a blonde bloke with a shroom-head with pointy ears called SPOT or something. They often talked a lot and sometimes shot a "alien" down once in a while (and I swear it was just a hairy man with make up). Conclusion: I watched Star Wars instead.

So at first this movie wasn't really appealing to me because I never followed the original and I wouldn't have any nostalgic feel like the others are looking forward to. Or how everything is renewed to fit into our current generation. There was just 2 things that had me barely hooked on to the bait.

1. I have a thing for Space. Being the mystery it is, darkness it is, WTF it is. The visualized existence of everything outside our world fascinates me.
2. Sylar from Heroes being SPOCK (SPOCK!!)

So I gave it a try: --------------WHAT AN INTRODUCTION


The cast was perfect for every role (especially the main 2 above) and the plot was interesting. The Visuals, stunning. 98% of the whole movie is CG so be prepared for that but you won't feel conned in any way. 2% of it is "real", 1 being the people in it and 1 more being the crops'n fields that set a contrast with the hi-tech buildings. In SF movies like this there tends to be parts that feel long or over done (cough)Star Wars(cough), but there wasn't a slight moment of boredom in this film. clapclapclapclapclap.


But one thing. After walking out of the theater I didn't get the same heavy mysterious feel The Watchmen gave me a while ago. Sure it's fancy and entertaining but it kind of lacks depth that fuels your brain about the movie even when you're back home cleaning your crotch. I remember I was non-stop with The Watchmen for a few days. I kept thinking about it over and over 'n over. So it might just be me, it's a very good movie and EVERYONE MUST WATCH IT but with this perspective painted on canvas this film will have to be hanging on The Watchmen's ass for my ranking.

*Comparing them as a SF/CG movie in mind...that is...Not all movies apply to this perspective.

Toy Story 3 :: Teaser

I understand teasers that make you look forward to "NEXT SEASON" but this is just way over the damn line. IT'S STILL JUNE 2009!!! I guess coz Up is still up?

Recent Films :: Watchmen

Watchmen
★★★★★★★★★☆(9/10)

Gotta say I was pretty neutral when I walked into iMax. Was expecting the usual hero flick with red undies, kickass masks, kickass action and a hot chic. Instead I got blue cocks, cheesy costumes, a couple actions and a hot chic. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed EVERY minute of the movie. I was never bored through the whole 165 minutes, except near the end when I felt my ass was starting to soar and I wanted to stand up.

The reviews in Hong Kong were pretty 50/50. If you walk into the theater expecting X-men-like plots and action, you may be turned down. Way down, and I think that's the case for most of the negative reviews. There's a type of urge when watching a hero movie where you can't wait till the action starts, and let me warn you in Watchmen it is REALLY long. Considering the people in Hong Kong are typically impatient, it just won't work.


It worked perfectly fine for me because the art, visuals, design, production, editing, everything you see was made to near perfection in every minute. The approach to project "peace" was very unique for a hero flick and I have to admit I was betrayed many times (in a good way), which makes it that much more interesting to look forward to what's coming up next. If visuals and impact (and a twisted perspective) is a thing for you, I highly recommend to watch this in iMax.

Recent Films :: FEB.-MAR. mix

Yes Man
★★★★★★★★★☆(9/10)

One of Jim Carrey's best in a long time. Gotta give props to him. He still has it and it never gets old. Zooey Deschanel was very cute in the movie, which was a blind spot for me because I wasn't expecting anything from her at all. The CG was great actually, even if it doesn't look like any type of CG film. Really subtle and effective. Those are the ones that should be most credited for. I believe a lot of people don't even notice the CG that was used in certain scenes. Anyways, overall a unique and positive message to a majority of the spoiled world today, and I recommend it (on DVD, now..) to anyone, even if you don't like Jim Carrey.


Slumdog Millionaire
★★★★★★★★☆☆(8/10)

Like always, the people of Hong Kong order tickets, queue an unbelievably long line to save a seat for the current show, all hyped up for the film.

Because it swept the Academy Awards.

I have to say it was a very good film. Portraying a characters life through the Millionaire game isn't exactly genius but the background (India) and clever plot structuring really lit the whole movie out of the dark. It wouldn't be half as good if it was a story about a bloke in Japan, or Hong Kong, or New York I think you get it. The environment, casts, music, atmosphere, color themes and clever production all matched really well, creating a chemical reaction that will pull you in through out the whole movie, hell even after the movie. Just one thing I was concerned about is the "I can see you from a mile away" pattern through out the movie (I won't point out anything) but that may be a minor issue considering you may be deeply sucked into the movie by the time you realize it.

Recent Films :: JAN mix

崖の上のポニョ (Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea)
★★★★☆(4/5)

There were mix reviews on this one, some disliking it because of the gap between previous Ghibli animations, or because the production was not hi-tech like previous ones. The fact is everybody is missing the point of perspective when viewing this animation. 1. The target audience is aimed at 5 year old kids. Not so universal is it. It's a waste of time to compare it to previous Ghibli classics. 2. The whole film is intentionally hand-drawn to step away from all the current CG animations. The feeling is quite unique, like reading a children's book. So just sit back and relax. Forget the comparisons and just watch the film with the target aim in mind. It was interesting trying to guess why the creators would do this, or that in various situations. And honestly the hand-drawn effects were jaw dropping at many points. Another classic I would say, just in a different perspective.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
★★★★☆(4/5)

One of the most anticipated films I wanted to watch recently. Mainly because of curiosity on how they pull off such a genius concept in 2.5 hours. And they did. Just watching Brad Pitt age backwards alone was worth the time, mainly. The story was the icing on the cake, including a unique packaging of special effects, with a elegant ribbon if I had to add. Very nicely executed. There's just one drawback for me, and I wouldn't dare mention it now for those who haven't watched the film yet. Let's just say....The origin to origin didn't really make sense. Otherwise it was a very good film, with A LOT of observation and detail put into.

葉問 :: Ip Man

First post of 2009!! Happy New Year.

葉問 (Ip Man) ★★★★★ (5/5)


None of those LeBron hang times.
None of those "if I can acrobat like that I might as well fly" thingies.
None of those you're slow-mo but I'm Bolt bull.
None of those Kobe gay moments.
None of those Jackie stunts.


It's just real martial arts, as real as it gets, presented in the most perfect way possible in a dramatic scene. Donnie "I'm on Steroids" Yen is one helluva fighter and Ip Man is probably his best work to date. Something about the small basics of martial arts that reflect big results at Fo Shan during the invasion of the Japanese.


For those that are not familiar, Ip Man is Bruce Lee's Master and the movie is a portrayal of part of his life.

Detroit Metal City :: 爆粗BAND友

★★★★☆ (4/5)



Finally out in HK. Overall it was funny but it's a bit hard to understand if you don't know Japanese. The subtitle is a bit off, translated more into HK style slurs. (First time i saw FXXK so big in subtitles). 松山 was great in both opposing roles, differentiating the dick-head faget and Krauser II very well. The acting is a bit exaggerated but that's typical Japanese style in these type of comedies so if you accept that the whole movie is a good ride.

衝撃100万ボルト :: 人間の限界

ウサイン・ボルト
稲妻のような走りで通称：ライトニング・ボルトと呼ばれ始めている。

もう多分何万回も観てると思うが・・・

世界のトップスプリンター達を絶望的な差で置き去りにしたあの独走がまだ頭から離れず、仕事に力が入らないのでアップしてみることに・・・

昨晩伝説の２００Ｍをリアルで観て思った事は：人間の限界はまだ計り知れない。
１９．３０を2で割ってみると９．６５。
１００Ｍならまた自分の記録を塗り替えていた・・・

あの絶望的な差はスプリンター達に火をつけるのか諦めさせるのか。まだ発展途上のボルトに追いつくのは多分最低あと8年はかかるのでは・・

１００Ｍに至ってはクツヒモ緩んでたし、最後の３０Ｍは流してゴール。１００Ｍでこれ程鳥肌たったのは始めてだ。
本気で走ってたら9.6秒をたたき出してたと言われている幻の走り・・・



ありえない

08-18-08 :: The Day a Billion Ppl Said _ _ _ _

[FCUK]probably echoed through the East at one moment when Liu Xiang retired from 110M Mens Hurdle, one of the most anticipated events in the Beijing Olympics. If you heard [Pity] that was probably me.

I MEAN C'MON!

Beijing Olympics :: Opening Ceremony

★★★★★(5/5)


Colossal "footsteps" of fireworks march towards the national stadium, the heat increases as it gets closer. The ceremony prepares with exploding fireworks surrounding the Nest above 90,000 people, and it begins...
I have to admit the opening was nothing like I've seen before. The whole screen filled with 2,008 drummers and a humongous ancient roll structured with I don't know how many thousand LED's totally got my attention. Really impressive. It was way out of my expectations.
Props to all the performers who trained for this day and Zhang Yimou (director of Hero, House of Flying Daggers) who produced the Opening and Closing ceremony for the Beijing Olympics.
Oyea forgot to mention: The dancer(above) was just hot hot hot.

Click to Enlarge


(Photos provided by Getty Images and the Official Site)

The Dark Knight :: BRAVO

★★★★★ (5/5)


One of the most complete, mature, and perfect comic based movie ever. Heath Ledger performs one of the best villains ever created in a movie, guaranteed to give you chills up your spine....almost throughout the whole movie.


Everything you can ask from Christopher Nolan is packed with a very well thought out plot. No other superhero movie can top this one for a while.


Shortest 2.5 hrs of my life.