Thick As Thieves (The Code) (2009)

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A veteran thief recruits a younger crook to help him pull off one final job in order to repay his debt to the Russian mob.

This is the worst heist film I've ever seen. Enough said.

Rating: 0.5/5.

Quote

"Acquire knowledge. It enableth its possessor to distinguish right from wrong; it lighteth the way to Heaven; it is our friend in the desert, our society in solitude, our companion when friendless; it guideth us to happiness; it sustaineth us in misery; it is an ornament among friends, and an armour against enemies." – Prophet Muhammad s.a.w

Italian Evening

4–month–old AB

The starter, chicken salad bruschetta.

The filling for tortilla wraps

The snack, baked tortilla wraps.

The main, chicken lasagna.

A small plate for yours truly

Are you salivating yet?

The dishes with some grape sparkling juice minus the dessert

A game of stumbling monkeys

Where did the monkeys go? 'Hiding' in a corner, I see.

The young 'Darth Vader'

The dessert, strawberry panna cotta.

A sweet treat after a long day

My cousins were back for holidays, so my sister decided to organise a small get–together at home during the weekend. The theme was Italian Evening this time. The menu was not entirely Italian, but we didn't care as we had a good time. We hope to do this again soon.

On a serious note, I've a few more assignments to complete before my final exams begin end of this month. That's about a week away! I'm glad the first semester is coming to an end, and look forward to the long break starting mid next month until early July.

What A Weekend!

S saying a prayer after being officially engaged

Hantaran (gifts) from S to her fiance

Cupcakes for F. The theme colours were cream and pink.

What an eventful weekend it was for me. These few weeks have been rather crazy in terms of workload. Assignments are piling up. One sent, another received. I've a few more to do before the final exams begin end of this month. Essays, presentations, CDs and weekly reading/tasks. I look forward to the long semester break.

Spent the entire Friday at the campus with my groupmates working on our group assignments, and reached home a few hours before bedtime. Will have to spend at least one more Friday at the campus with my groupmates doing the same thing.

Saturday was all about class and group presentation.

Sunday began with an early morning class. Dropped my books and notes at home after class before driving to my relative's for her engagement ceremony in the afternoon. S is now officially engaged to her sweetheart, F. The wedding is planned for October. Spent the whole afternoon at my relative's catching up after F's entourage from out of town left. We had a small family feast and there was even a massage session. I had a good time. Next, my relatives, family and I paid a visit to my grandparents who live not far away. My grandpa is bedridden due to a leg infection. He was warded for over a week, and he asked to be discharged about a week ago. I reached home at night. What a day!

Will post more engagement photos taken with a different camera later. How was your weekend?

Nasi Lemak

Homemade chicken curry rolls, a twist of curry puffs and spring rolls.

Sweet and sour squids with capsicum

Nasi lemak (coconut rice) with fried chicken, squid sambal and anchovy sambal, served on a banana leaf.

I haven't eaten home–cooked nasi lemak (coconut rice) in a long time, close to a year. This national dish is traditionally eaten for breakfast, but nowadays, you can find nasi lemak being sold throughout the day, including in the evenings. The rice is cooked or steamed in coconut milk with a few knotted pandan (screwpine) leaves for fragrance, ginger and a pinch of salt. Nasi lemak is traditionally served with crispy, fried anchovies, roasted groundnuts, hard–boiled egg, steamed kangkung (water convolvulus) and sambal. You can also have nasi lemak with chicken, beef, cockles, prawns, and/or squids, which makes it a versatile dish. Imagine my delight when I went down to the kitchen and saw nasi lemak on the table after studying!

Yes Man

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The film tells the story of a man, Carl Allen, who decides to change his life by saying 'yes' to everything that comes his way. This leads to a series of unexpected comedic adventures that turn his life upside down.

Based on a true story, I hate Jim Carrey slightly less after watching this mediore film.

Rating: 1/5.

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

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The story of how impoverished Indian teen, Jamal Malik, became a contestant on the Hindi version of "Who Wants to be A Millionaire?" – an endeavor made without prize money in mind, rather, an effort to prove his love for his friend Latika, who is an ardent fan of the show.

It has its moments, but wouldn't say I like the film. It certainly is more interesting than The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, though.

Rating: 2/5.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

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This motion picture tells the story of Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) who starts aging backwards with bizarre consequences.

This screenplay adaptation differs greatly from the short story. It's slow–paced and somewhat long–winded. The plot is a tad too far–stretched.

Rating: 1/5.

Quotes

"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear." – Nelson Mandela

"There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children." – Nelson Mandela

El Laberinto del Fauno (Pan's Labyrinth) (2006)

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In the fascist Spain of 1944, Ofelia, the young stepdaughter of a ruthless army officer, Captain Vidal, escapes into an eerie but captivating fantasy world.

This is one dark fairy tale, and isn't suitable for children due to a few violent scenes. Killing without mercy, crushing one's face with a glass bottle, stabbing and slicing one's lips with a knife, wow... I certainly didn't expect such scenes from this film. Overall, it would keep you glued to the screen.

Rating: 1.5/5.

Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)

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Three wealthy children, the inventive Violet Baudelaire, the avid reader Klaus Baudelaire, and sharp–toothed Sunny Baudelaire, become orphans when their parents are killed in a fire. When they are sent to a distant relative, the obnoxious Count Olaf (Jim Carrey), they find out that he is plotting to kill them and seize their fortune.

Based on Lemony Snicket's books, this non–typical film is rather entertaining and lends a breath of fresh air after all those dull romantic comedies. The props, costumes and visual effects are excellent. Emily Browning who played Violet Baudelaire, Liam Aiken (Klaus Baudelaire), Kara and Shelfy Hoffman (Sunny Baudelaire) did well. Watch out for appearances by Meryl Streep as their eccentric relative, Josephine Anwhistle, Dustin Hoffman as the Critic, Timothy Spall as Mr. Poe, Jude Law as Lemony Snicket the narrator, and Cedric the Entertainer as the Constable.

Rating: 2.5/5.

The Accidental Husband (2008)

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When talk radio host, Dr. Emma Lloyd (Uma Thurman), advises one of her listeners to break up with her boyfriend, the jilted ex sets about getting his revenge. Other cast include Isabella Rossellini, Colin Firth and Jeffrey Dean Morgan.

Slightly better than Rumor Has It, although somewhat corny still. Good films are hard to come by these days.

Rating: 1/5.

Rumor Has It (2005)

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Sarah Huttinger (Jennifer Aniston) plays a woman who learns that her family was the inspiration for the book and film The Graduate, and that she might be the offspring of the well–documented event. Cast include Shirley MacLaine as Katherine Richelieu, Richard Jenkins as Earl Huttinger, Kevin Costner as Beau Burroughs, and Mark Ruffalo as Jeff Daly.

If you're hoping for a romantic comedy, forget it. This film appears lifeless and there is hardly any chemistry between the characters. Ditch this off your list.

Rating: 0.5/5.

Valkyrie (2008)

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The film is based on a true story of the failed assassination of Adolf Hitler by his own men at the height of WWII. A team of high–ranking German officers hatched a plot to assassinate Hitler, and seize power of the military command in order to end the war. The operation was codenamed Valkyrie, for the emergency plan that was meant to be used in case of a revolt against the Nazi government. This plan had been modified by the conspirators to ensure their success, but for various reasons the plot failed when finally carried out on 20 July 1944.

Motion pictures based on actual events rarely disappoint me. I value films that showcase courage and character like Ladder 49, Men of Honor and Pearl Harbor. However, Valkyrie (or Walkure) failed to move me emotionally.

The supporting cast played their roles well, but Tom Cruise did not shine at all. They could've picked a better character actor for the role.

Rating: 1/5.

Safar Dinner

Prawn tempura

Stir–fry prawns in turmeric sauce

Pomfret in black bean sauce

Baked Indian mackerel

Sweet and sour chicken

Stir–fry beef in dry red sauce