Mr Woodcock (2007)

Picture: www.rottentomatoes.com

John Farley (played by Seann William Scott), a successful young author of a best–selling self–help book about letting go of the past, violates his own advice when he returns to his hometown to receive the community's highest honour.

John learns that his widowed mother, Beverly, portrayed by Susan Sarandon, is engaged to be married to none other than Mr. Woodcock (Billy Bob Thornton), the gym teacher whose sadistic exploits were the bane of John's youth. Abetted by his nerdy old pal, Nedderman, John plots to break–up the relationship. But their well–laid plans go awry.

A forgettable, badly scripted film. I probably chuckled like twice, but overall, it is neither hilarious nor touching.

Rating: 1/5.

I Am Legend (2007)

Picture: www.rottentomatoes.com

Years after a plague kills most of humanity and transforms the rest into monsters, the sole survivor in New York City struggles valiantly to find a cure.

This is easily one of the most ridiculous films I had ever seen, and the most boring character played by Will Smith. Completely pointless and a wasted effort.

Rating: 0.5/5.

Works of Art

The living and dining area

The living room

The neat, white kitchen with an island in the middle. That's Tiffany light hanging above the island.

The dining area and kitchen

Pretty in white

Orchids and shelves

One of the chandeliers

The living room

The spacious kitchen and storage

These shots were captured at a friend's chic new apartment in the capital city of Malaysia. My friend designed the apartment herself. What do you think?

No Reservations (2007)

Picture: www.rottentomatoes.com.

A synopsis from the official site of No Reservations:

Master chef Kate Armstrong (Academy Award winner Catherine Zeta–Jones) lives her life like she runs her kitchen at a trendy Manhattan eatery with a no–nonsense intensity that both captivates and intimidates everyone around her. Kate's perfectionist nature is put to the test when she "inherits" her nine–year–old niece Zoe (Abigail Breslin), while contending with a brash new sous–chef who joins her staff. High–spirited and freewheeling, Nick Palmer (Aaron Eckhart) couldn't be more different from Kate, yet the chemistry between them is undeniable. Rivalry becomes romance, but Kate will have to learn to express herself beyond the realm of her kitchen if she wants to connect with Zoe and find true happiness with Nick.

This is a remake of the German film Mostly Martha (2001). It has the potential of a great feel good love story, but unfortunately, is ordinary and predictable. It could have been a lot better with more depth of characters. The food looks good, though, and I love the official site.

Rating: 2/5.

Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007)

Picture: www.rottentomatoes.com.

Woman. Warrior. Queen. That's Queen Elizabeth.

Reprising the roles they played in Elizabeth, Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett and Geoffrey Rush return for a gripping historical thriller laced with treachery and romance. Clive Owen plays Sir Walter Raleigh, a dashing seafarer and newfound temptation for Elizabeth.

Elizabeth: The Golden Age finds Queen Elizabeth I facing bloodlust for her throne and familial betrayal. Growing keenly aware of the changing religious and political tides of late 16th century Europe, Elizabeth finds her rule openly challenged by the Spanish King Philip II (Jordi Molla) – with his powerful army and sea–dominating armada – determined to restore England to Catholicism.

Read so much about this supposedly great, terrific film. I am not impressed.

Rating: 1/5.

Skincare for Sensitive Skin

Finding a skincare product or brand that suits your skin may be a lifelong quest, more so if you have sensitive skin. My facial skin is sensitive although the skin on the rest of my body isn't. The identified irritants are dust, dirt and cosmetics, particularly foundation, concealer and blusher. These irritants usually cause acne.

I am a big fan of toiletries, so I do spend a lot of time reading on skincare and bodycare sometimes as well as going toiletry shopping, more so than shopping for clothes. Used to buy monthly women's magazines for the useful articles and to keep myself updated on the latest skincare products in the market.

I have used a number of toiletry brands over the years, from cheap to steep – St. Ives, L'oréal, Nivea, Boots, Johnson & Johnson, Lancôme, Origins and La Mer. Started using gentle, non–comodegenic (won't clog pores), alcohol–free, perfume–free, soap–free, water–based products only even before discovering the condition of my facial skin. I remain a loyal customer of Simple (www.simpleskincare.com.au) and L'OCCITANE en Provence (www.loccitane.com). You don't want to know how much I splurged at L'OCCITANE!

A male friend recommended Eucerin, a medical/dermatological skincare brand, a few years ago, but I was doubtful then. Came across Eucerin again recently after a local female TV host who has eczema mentioned on screen that she started using Eucerin 3 years ago and had never looked back since.

Needless to say, I needed to feed my curiosity. Logged on to www.eucerin.com and spent a great deal of time reading about our skin and skincare. I must say, of all the skincare websites I had visited over the years, I was most impressed with Eucerin's. It is by far the most informative. After learning that the brand has over 100 years of experience in dermatological skincare, I was convinced. I recalled a dermatologist friend mentioning Eucerin in a conversation.

I am careful with purchasing a new skincare product especially as I had chickenpox recently. Ran out of my L'OCCITANE en Provence's Almond Apple Velvet Concentrate, a moisturiser. As L'OCCITANE products aren't available in my hometown, I bought Eucerin's Hydro–Protect Hydrating & Protecting Fluid SPF15 with AGR and pure vitamin E. Started using it 14 days after the onset of my chickenpox and I am pleased with the results so far. It does its job well without leaving a hole in my pocket. Felt the difference in less than 48 hours and my skin had never looked better since the chickenpox. Can't wait for the spots to disappear soon! Thank you, Eucerin.

Other good brands for sensitive skin are Eubos (http://eubos.com.my) and Sebamed (www.sebamed.com), but I am happy with Eucerin. I can foresee that I will turn into a loyal customer soon.

Now, I must point out that I am not paid to write this entry. Merely sharing my experience in my quest for a suitable skincare as this is a subject close to my heart.

What about you? What skincare or bodycare brands do you use? Do share. I'd love to hear from you.