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