Bitten by the Travel Bug

Ever since I made the final decision to go to China for our year-end backpacking trip, there isn't a day I didn't think about travelling. It's become quite a motivating force to wanna strive harder to earn some extra cash to be able to go to more place ASAP.

Happened to do an online survey on Travel not so long back, and was asked to list down the top 10 places I am likely to go in the near future (Not in order of preference.):

Okay right, I can't really remember what I put down but it's definitely among these...

Here goes:

1. China- I've been to China twice but I think there's still so much more I've yet to see.
2. Tibet- Simply one of its kind. Awesome landscapes and historic architecture.
3. Turkey- Unique landscapes and rich culture sure outweighs eating horrid food.
4. Japan- I don't think I need to explain why. ;)
5. Maldives- Saving this for my honeymoon!
6. Egypt- Egypt is more than just pyramids!
7. Morocco- Still a relatively cheap place to travel, rich in culture, beautiful city
8. France- Would love to visit French neighbour's house in the mountains!
9. Israel- To visit the Holy Land!
10. Nepal- woohoo! Mt. Everest! Life on the mountains must be interesting too.
11. India- Extremes of rich and poor. Chaos must be interesting.
12. New Zealand/Australia/Tasmania- hmm, nice place to escape the heat in June
13. Philippines- very cheap, nice place, why not?
14. Indonesia- very likely to be an impromptu short trip
15. Taiwan- I think the rural areas would be very scenic and worth going. Affordable too.

Repo Men

Repo Men
Repo Men is set in the future where people use artificial organs as a desperate means of survival, and these organs are charged at exorbitant prices, often unaffordable for most people. As a result, the Union (the company who runs this program) sends Repo Men to repossess these organs. What these men do is to chase after these "debtors" who are way past their due dates and cut them up to retrieve their organs. How is this even legal? And why does the movie make it look like it's legal? So you can break into people's house, cut them up, take their organs and leave them on their own to die?

I did not expect the movie to turn out the way it did. Certainly did not appreciate the gore and violence. Nor the twist at the end of the movie. What really puzzles me is the scene where Jude Law and his mate were cutting themselves up and scanning their organs when they had no way of escape at all. How does this even help to eliminate the system?  May I also note that while they were cutting themselves up, they also found time to make out?!

This is an absolutely bizarre film. It's an interesting idea, but it lacks depth and realism. And it also left me wondering what's the whole point of it all.

2.5 stars 

Inception

Inception
Another mind-boggling movie by Christopher Nolan (director of The Dark Knight), starring Leonardo Dicaprio as the lead. As always, Leonardo Dicaprio pulls off his role quite nicely. He's great with psycho films. Inception is about getting into people's dreams, planting or stealing an idea, to make the "victim" think that their dreams are actually a reality. It is an interesting concept, though very unrealistic. I like how the story unfolds, including Leonardo's mini-episode with his wife. Nice movie but try not to think too much about it because it will drive you crazy. haha.

3.5 stars

Despicable Me

Despicable Me
I see that there are 2 extremes to general opinions of this movie. Either you love it, or you hate it. Well, for me, I'm leaning more on the 'like' side. Despicable Me is fun and cute. The initial part of the story could be a bit boring to some, but as the story develops further, it becomes somewhat funny and heartwarming. Unfortunately, it is also very cliche and predictable. Great animation. Just need a bit more creativity.

3.5 stars

Sorority Row

Sorority Row
I would never have guessed that this is a thriller, and the story revolves around an accidental murder. Based on the title, I thought it would be something like Mean Girls. Couldn't be more wrong! The murders were gory, the plot unrealistic and boring. The acting was bad, and there was little to look forward to. This is one movie you don't wanna waste your time watching.

1.5 stars

Year-end Trip!

Okay so Turkey's out because winter in December is pretty undesirable. Many places will be closed and all that.

Taiwan, wayyy too many people are going there. Don't wish to see anybody I know when I backpack. The last thing I want is to be reminded of everything Singaporean. The Singaporean way of life: OutEat, OutShop, OutChill. Maybe next time.

So CHINA HERE I COME!!!

Must admit I've been pretty indecisive for months. Went back and forth on my decision and then, Karate Kid came along... That movie just kinda sparked in me a newfound love for China. Awesome landscapes, awesome culture, awesome architecture, awesome weather!

I just can't wait to go and bring back fantastic photos!

5 more months!!!

Ecplise

Eclipse
Once again, a movie from the Twilight Saga left me wondering what's the hype about it. Kristen Stewart's acting is as bad as usual. And Robert Pattinson was just plain awful. The only people probably worth looking out for are Taylor Lautner and Dakota Fanning. Maybe Kristen and Robert should pick up some acting tips from their juniors.

I can't complain about the story, because apparently, this movie did not do the book any justice. What I can say though, is that, the movie was so boring that I nearly fell asleep. Probably the most exciting part of the movie (if I can call it exciting), is when the werewolves and vampires team up to fight against the evil newborns. But even that is too short-lived.

2.5 stars