About Me
Here comes another Pop culture phenomenon! Why do I say that? Well, it's the buzz that people are giving to this film but more importantly; it's what most teens are saying about it. Honestly, we can't deny the fact that at certain times, it's the teens that set what's trending with the film industry nowadays. Sometimes, it's a sad fact considering that some teens say that The Twilight Saga is a good film which I'm not much of a fan but this time, stating The Hunger Games as the next smash hit is something that I can agree.
As you all know, the film is an adaptation of a book written by Suzanne Collins. I worked at MPH Bookstores and so you could say I got a front row seat to see how this Pop culture accumulates. I'm an observer and seeing how people would react to the book and film is really fascinating to me. The company kept ordering loads of these books. Suzanne Collins wrote a trilogy of it and each had different covers. I had to know which one's the adult version, kid's version, Asian or UK imprint and the list goes on. The books were arranged at the highlighted shelve where people could easily find them. Practically, not many bought the book before the film releases. So, the books sort of stood there untouched.
And this is where the show really started. As I was walking around, looking for something to do, the shelf containing The Hunger Games book were surrounded by teenagers. "Ah, here it is!" screamed an enthusiastic 16 something year old girl. Everyday, teens surround the shelve and have a loud and sometimes annoying conversation; saying what they thought of the film. Heck, a girl came to me and asked if the store had the mocking jay pin for sale -_- (This might sound egotistic but yeah, I was annoyed by that question).
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| I'm not posting this picture because I'm another silly teenage fan. Just sayin' :) Look at this picture. I mean, c'mon! They're even promoting this film in a teen-ish way. You don't see films like X-Men: First Class having lovely pictures of the casts being together now do you? It seems like they only do this when they're making a teen film. |
Now, I'm going to tell you how this phenomenon happened around me before and after it was released in theatres.
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| Pre-Release |
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| Post-Release |
All right, now comes my review on the film. About two weeks later, I went to see the film. I was a bit surprise because the film is slow. Normally, that sort of films wouldn't be a hit for young viewers but I guess the novel adaptation factor helped it to get it's audience. A fast-paced action with a bit of a teenage love story would do the trick but not The Hunger Games. It really focuses the idea of being in a battle to the death experience; how would it affect you and how it felt. It sets in a fictional future where the North America was renamed Panem and was divided into twelve districts after a war of some kind ended (Correct me if I'm wrong). To maintain control of these districts, they held The Hunger Games where one boy and girl ages 12 to 18 is chosen at random from each districts. The Hunger Games is a televised battle to the death where there could be only one winner. In this first instalment of the series, it focusses more on Katniss Everdeen's experience upon competing in the games willingly as she wanted to save her little sister, Primrose Everdeen, who was originally chosen for district 12. It didn't focus more on the games though. You know, like how action packed films usually do. This film, thankfully, had heart. So, I give this film a 3.5/5 because it's a good film though it could've been better if it focuses more on the first instalment. They end it with a huge indication of a sequel. To me, making a movie that really feels like it has ended and somehow making a sequel to it is way better.
Happy Hunger Games and may the odds be ever in your favor.
Pffttt! That was a bit lame, wasn't it? :p
Have a good day everybody! Salam!
I wanted to label this post within movie review or at least make it all under 'reviews' because of the fact that I'm not much of a reader. But darn it, I'll start reading now! To be a good writer, you need to read a lot and that, of course, includes novels which I'm not much of a fan of it. So, I'll start slowly with comics :)
I'm already reading a novel but I haven't finished it yet. I'm a slow reader =/
I bought this earlier this year. It costs me RM 45 somethin'. The problem is that this is a series and I bought the issue that's somewhere in the middle of the series because it was the cheapest :p
So, what do I think of this comic? It's superb! I don't read a lot of comics and when I do, they're about superheroes and so, reading a comic that centres realistic and mature topics really fascinates me. Even though I had problems to understand what's going on (since I din't read the first few issues), it did thrilled me with it's artwork and story. If I'm not mistaken, the story centres a reporter's view on a war between the government and an anti-establishment militia within the United States of America. Due to this uprising, Manhattan has become a battlefield known as the DMZ. The story centres on how the war affects the people of the DMZ. It's really deep I tell you and to conclude or explain it in this post would be sort of unfair since I didn't read the rest of the series. So, specifically for this issue, I give it a 3 out of 5 for a good read.
And just to make this post longer, I'm doing a review on a comic that I've read two years ago...I think. World War Hulk, to me, is the best superhero comic book I've read so far. I love how they try to send out a message about making the right decisions with the legacy of the iconic character. What's Hulk's legacy? Misunderstood monster and anger....mostly anger. Hulk was send to another planet by the Illuminati (Iron Man, Namor, Professor Xavier, Doctor Strange, Mr.Fantastic and Black Bolt) because he was just too dangerous. The ship's coordinates was meant to send him to a peaceful planet but it somehow landed on Sakaar; a vicious planet ruled by the merciless Red king. In the comic, Hulk was already a king on Sakaar and he and his WarBound friends went to Earth to avenge his wife's death (Not Betty) whom he thought was all The Illuminati's fault. From here, it was total mayhem as all of earth's mightiest heroes dramatically battled The Hulk. I loved that part. Well, to find out what happens next; you should buy the book. It's totally recommended for superhero fans.
Of course, even when I say it's the best comic book I've read, there's still some things that I don't like. Number one, I don't like the wife thing. Honestly, an alien wife? What about Betty? It's a good thing the comic skipped ahead to the Earth part because I wouldn't like the Gladiator in space part. Though I did watch that part. They made an Animation out of it. It was quite okay. Number two and this is a spoiler alert, he had a son in the end. Are you serious? An alien son? There's a spin-off for his son and well, I won't waste my money on that one. I would try to read it but to buy it...that's a no, no. By the way, I didn't even bought the book. I borrowed if from a friend. Haha. So, I give this book a 4 out of 5 for it's combination of The Hulk's legacy of anger and a strong message or theme of making the right decisions.
I'm already reading a novel but I haven't finished it yet. I'm a slow reader =/
I bought this earlier this year. It costs me RM 45 somethin'. The problem is that this is a series and I bought the issue that's somewhere in the middle of the series because it was the cheapest :p
So, what do I think of this comic? It's superb! I don't read a lot of comics and when I do, they're about superheroes and so, reading a comic that centres realistic and mature topics really fascinates me. Even though I had problems to understand what's going on (since I din't read the first few issues), it did thrilled me with it's artwork and story. If I'm not mistaken, the story centres a reporter's view on a war between the government and an anti-establishment militia within the United States of America. Due to this uprising, Manhattan has become a battlefield known as the DMZ. The story centres on how the war affects the people of the DMZ. It's really deep I tell you and to conclude or explain it in this post would be sort of unfair since I didn't read the rest of the series. So, specifically for this issue, I give it a 3 out of 5 for a good read.
And just to make this post longer, I'm doing a review on a comic that I've read two years ago...I think. World War Hulk, to me, is the best superhero comic book I've read so far. I love how they try to send out a message about making the right decisions with the legacy of the iconic character. What's Hulk's legacy? Misunderstood monster and anger....mostly anger. Hulk was send to another planet by the Illuminati (Iron Man, Namor, Professor Xavier, Doctor Strange, Mr.Fantastic and Black Bolt) because he was just too dangerous. The ship's coordinates was meant to send him to a peaceful planet but it somehow landed on Sakaar; a vicious planet ruled by the merciless Red king. In the comic, Hulk was already a king on Sakaar and he and his WarBound friends went to Earth to avenge his wife's death (Not Betty) whom he thought was all The Illuminati's fault. From here, it was total mayhem as all of earth's mightiest heroes dramatically battled The Hulk. I loved that part. Well, to find out what happens next; you should buy the book. It's totally recommended for superhero fans.
Of course, even when I say it's the best comic book I've read, there's still some things that I don't like. Number one, I don't like the wife thing. Honestly, an alien wife? What about Betty? It's a good thing the comic skipped ahead to the Earth part because I wouldn't like the Gladiator in space part. Though I did watch that part. They made an Animation out of it. It was quite okay. Number two and this is a spoiler alert, he had a son in the end. Are you serious? An alien son? There's a spin-off for his son and well, I won't waste my money on that one. I would try to read it but to buy it...that's a no, no. By the way, I didn't even bought the book. I borrowed if from a friend. Haha. So, I give this book a 4 out of 5 for it's combination of The Hulk's legacy of anger and a strong message or theme of making the right decisions.
Assalammualaikum!
It's been quite a while since I've updated and to be frank, it felt like I'm procrastinating my life long dreams. Well, real life calls for me with it's tiring schedule of a working life. I didn't took a part time job as I was pressured to find one soon and so I found MPH Bookstores. The experience for me was priceless even though I wasn't that much fond of it. It thought me a lot about what hard work is really all about and how the combination of education, experience and hard work can bring you success. It was fun reading the books on weekdays :p
Speaking of books! I had this idea of making book reviews in addition to my film reviews. I bought a comic book earlier this year and well, I forgot to publish my review on it. But that, fellow readers, would be done in another post. This post is for another short comic I've done. I've had the idea of it when I finished "Still Standing" but alas, my low stamina with work caused me to procrastinate it. But now, I'm done and so here it is! And again, sorry for the low quality. Right click and open the sketch in another window/tab (up to you) for better view.
It's been quite a while since I've updated and to be frank, it felt like I'm procrastinating my life long dreams. Well, real life calls for me with it's tiring schedule of a working life. I didn't took a part time job as I was pressured to find one soon and so I found MPH Bookstores. The experience for me was priceless even though I wasn't that much fond of it. It thought me a lot about what hard work is really all about and how the combination of education, experience and hard work can bring you success. It was fun reading the books on weekdays :p
Speaking of books! I had this idea of making book reviews in addition to my film reviews. I bought a comic book earlier this year and well, I forgot to publish my review on it. But that, fellow readers, would be done in another post. This post is for another short comic I've done. I've had the idea of it when I finished "Still Standing" but alas, my low stamina with work caused me to procrastinate it. But now, I'm done and so here it is! And again, sorry for the low quality. Right click and open the sketch in another window/tab (up to you) for better view.
Well, after knowing the fact that the Harry Potter franchise made more money than the James Bonds'. It's a peculiar thing to me on why they even bother to do more of these James Bond films. I admit, the franchise has inspire some to create the gps system but money wise, it's not much of a good idea to produce more of this film. But hey, it's still a good movie franchise. So, maybe they would mix it up a bit to attract more viewers. Perhaps, a team up between mission impossible's Ethan Hunt? Hey, it could happen. I mean, the Avengers live action film is coming out this year! I think it's hollywood's first movie crossovers. Maybe this would be a desperate move for some of the fans but to me, it would be funny and bloody interesting. So, hope all of you like it :)
I haven't updated for a while. *Sighs* I've been busy with my job but I won't let that be an excuse for me to stop drawing. Heck no! Right now, I'm working on a sketch; inking and coloring it. But for this update, I want to post a short comic. Quite frankly, my plan was always to put short comics in here but I haven't really done any that sort of clicks--I don't know, maybe I'm too much of a perfectionist. I always want my stories to be epic. I just gotta realize that I'm still learning and I gotta start small. So here it is, a short comic :3
P.s. For better view...press right click on the pics and press "open link in new tab"
Sorry for the poor quality :/
P.s. For better view...press right click on the pics and press "open link in new tab"
Sorry for the poor quality :/
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It's a parody of a classic Dragon Ball scene. I've watched it again recently and I've notice some ridiculous scenes. Be that as it may, it's still one of my favorite childhood's shows. I call this short "Still Standing" as in every time when the show is about to introduce a new strong character, they emphasize the strong factor by having them arrogantly facing a constantly monologuing villain. For instance, when future Trunks arrived, he met cyborg Frieza. We all know how bad ass Frieza is and so we expect that Trunks would be having a tough time defeating him, right? Wrong! Even with the multiple combos of ki blast, Trunks survived without a single scratch on him just by standing there. So, there it is....my quick update :)
Salam and have a good day everybody!
Alhamdulillah! Finally! I can use my printer again and now I can post my sketches! :')
I've had this idea for weeks now and so here it goes...
For the general audiences, most of them don't know that Space Opera is a sub-genre in science fiction. What's Space Opera and what's the difference? Well, there's no definite definition for it but based on my understanding; Space Opera is somewhat a classic medieval story with nations and empires at war but it's held in space in instead. Most importantly, it emphasizes romance. Examples for this genre are, of course, Star Wars, Andromeda and so on. Now, there's loads more of sub-genres in science fiction (Steampunk, Military science fiction etc.) and quite frankly, I'm not sure if Star Wars could be defined as a Space Opera in overall. It focuses more on--well, war. Though within the six films, there is one or few that could be categorized as Space Opera; the relationship between Padme and Anakin is the clearest example. Like I said, there's no definite definition. My point is, I want to write about those Science Fiction films that focuses on intergalactic empires, spaceship dog fights and so on. Let's just refer them as Space Operas shall we? Even though they don't emphasize on romance :)
Why do I bring up this topic? Well, it's because I'm trying to open my options of writing to numerous genres and to be honest, I'm really not a fan of Science Fiction. Spaceships and aliens does not impress me at all. The other day, I googled Star Wars; to do some research and fascinatingly, I've found out where George Lucas got the idea of making these iconic films. There's a novel called Princess of Mars; a perfect example of a Space Opera. A classic tale of saving a damsel in distress but with a different twist; you have to save her from giant aliens and stuffs. The novel has a lot of volumes. So, feel free to google them to know more :)
Even more fascinating, Disney has turned it into a film! It's called John Carter and I assume that it is a whole new plot. You know, to make it a little fresher for a new generation of audience. And from what I've seen from the trailer, I think that this is going to be a romance film thus officially making it a Space Opera film. It's been a while since we've seen a Space Opera film. Maybe it wouldn't be a romance film but hey, it still promises a lot of good action. So, this could be really interesting. I mean, it's really--how you say, intriguing to find out how the audience will react to John Carter. Will it be the next phenomenon like Star Wars or will it be another overused commercialized film like Pirates of the Caribbean? Yeah, we all love Jack--I mean, Captain Jack Sparrow but somehow, a forth film with a somewhat an ending plot from the previous film just makes it lost it's excitement or X-factor. It can't become as successful as it's previous three. I'm not saying that it's bad! It's a good film nonetheless but it can't be one of the greats.
So, finally moving mo to my sketches! =3
I tried to bring out a Sahara dessert-warrior look. I didn't want it to be too mechanical. So, what could he be? A space gladiator who falls in love with the king's daughter? A treasure hunter who' wanted by five planets or could he be a prince? A prince who wishes to marry the most desired princess in the whole galaxy and to do so, he needs to compete with dozens of other aliens in a race for a rare diamond. Well, like I always say; ideas always expand within time.
So, that's all I have to write about :)
Salam and have a good day everybody!
I've had this idea for weeks now and so here it goes...
For the general audiences, most of them don't know that Space Opera is a sub-genre in science fiction. What's Space Opera and what's the difference? Well, there's no definite definition for it but based on my understanding; Space Opera is somewhat a classic medieval story with nations and empires at war but it's held in space in instead. Most importantly, it emphasizes romance. Examples for this genre are, of course, Star Wars, Andromeda and so on. Now, there's loads more of sub-genres in science fiction (Steampunk, Military science fiction etc.) and quite frankly, I'm not sure if Star Wars could be defined as a Space Opera in overall. It focuses more on--well, war. Though within the six films, there is one or few that could be categorized as Space Opera; the relationship between Padme and Anakin is the clearest example. Like I said, there's no definite definition. My point is, I want to write about those Science Fiction films that focuses on intergalactic empires, spaceship dog fights and so on. Let's just refer them as Space Operas shall we? Even though they don't emphasize on romance :)
Why do I bring up this topic? Well, it's because I'm trying to open my options of writing to numerous genres and to be honest, I'm really not a fan of Science Fiction. Spaceships and aliens does not impress me at all. The other day, I googled Star Wars; to do some research and fascinatingly, I've found out where George Lucas got the idea of making these iconic films. There's a novel called Princess of Mars; a perfect example of a Space Opera. A classic tale of saving a damsel in distress but with a different twist; you have to save her from giant aliens and stuffs. The novel has a lot of volumes. So, feel free to google them to know more :)
Even more fascinating, Disney has turned it into a film! It's called John Carter and I assume that it is a whole new plot. You know, to make it a little fresher for a new generation of audience. And from what I've seen from the trailer, I think that this is going to be a romance film thus officially making it a Space Opera film. It's been a while since we've seen a Space Opera film. Maybe it wouldn't be a romance film but hey, it still promises a lot of good action. So, this could be really interesting. I mean, it's really--how you say, intriguing to find out how the audience will react to John Carter. Will it be the next phenomenon like Star Wars or will it be another overused commercialized film like Pirates of the Caribbean? Yeah, we all love Jack--I mean, Captain Jack Sparrow but somehow, a forth film with a somewhat an ending plot from the previous film just makes it lost it's excitement or X-factor. It can't become as successful as it's previous three. I'm not saying that it's bad! It's a good film nonetheless but it can't be one of the greats.
So, finally moving mo to my sketches! =3
And for the first time, an inked sketch! Hahahahah :D
I had to fix and change a lot of things from the original sketch :/
He's wearing an armor underneath that robe.
Still needs a lot of improvement :'/
I tried to bring out a Sahara dessert-warrior look. I didn't want it to be too mechanical. So, what could he be? A space gladiator who falls in love with the king's daughter? A treasure hunter who' wanted by five planets or could he be a prince? A prince who wishes to marry the most desired princess in the whole galaxy and to do so, he needs to compete with dozens of other aliens in a race for a rare diamond. Well, like I always say; ideas always expand within time.
So, that's all I have to write about :)
Salam and have a good day everybody!
Have you seen this movie? It called The Pursuit of Happiness. You should see it. It's about a man's struggle to achieve-well--happiness. This is the last part of the film. I admit, at certain days I sit back and relax; not caring or doing anything to achieve what I want. And at some days, I keep feeling sorry for myself; asking why do I have these problems? Why can't I be good looking or why can't I write something amazing instantly? Why can't I be loved and find my soul mate? We all should know by now that it was never easy. I often forget that. This clip reminds me of it. It keeps me going. It inspires me to go on. It makes me want to get up and do something for myself; to help those whom I love. It gets me out of my comfort zone and makes me stop feeling sorry for myself. This part of my life...this very moment...is called realizing.
My computer is broken! Something wrong with the pc, I think. So, I can't use my printer to scan my sketches. It would take a while for me to fix this problem. Sigh, so much problem but so little time. I wanted to post something regarding science fiction. I've already sketch something about it but the thing is, I wan't to ink it :p
I figured that I should post some inked works to, you know, show you my progress. But alas, I can't. So, here are some random videos that, well, inspired me to write or to just pass my time.
I became a huge fan of home made stop motion videos after Transformers film came out. I love the idea of making your own version of the saga with toys. I respect them for posting their videos because they're doing what they love which is Transformers and story telling. The above video is just a short one. If you want to view a whole saga; try searching Nightslash 2020 on Youtube.
This is not a stop motion. It's just a guy playing with toys and does a voice over afterwards. However, I didn't straight away conclude this video as pathetic when I first saw it. No, I instantly loved it! Because it's funny and it shows what the DC and Marvel fans think of the latest superhero films in Hollywood. Again, this is a home made video. I did found a professional one; better stop motion with green screen backgrounds and what not. But I still prefer this one.
The latest music video from Coldplay! I love this band! How would I describe their song? Well, this is just a theory but I think Coldplay's songs are mostly about anything, I guess. For their first few albums, they sang mostly about love while Viva La vida or Death and all his friends was more to world peace. This is the unique part about Coldplay, they're always changing their gimmicks and sounds. Not many dare to do so; especially when you're successful as Coldplay. Most bands who were successful with their first and second album, they tend to stick with that gimmick to the very end of their careers.
I was never a huge fan of this band. I didn't hate them. I just didn't bothered to follow them. But I gotta admit, this video is awesome! And the song is just the kind of song I love!
Finally! A studio version of this song! I've posted a live performance video of this song before but hey, everybody prefers to listen to a studio recorded song in their mp3 right? So, how would I describe Mumford and Sons music? Well, most of their songs to me, screams out pride. Marcus's often screams really gets me pumped up; realizing me that I can't just sit down and whine about my problems. Their songs makes want to get up and achieve something.
And lastly, Maher Zain! What I love about this fellow Muslim is that he dares to try something new. I admit, most Malaysians just listen to his songs; saying "Oh, it's good", not knowing the genius and bravery of Maher Zain. Honestly, how many tried to collaborate Pop and Islam? Heck, I think many dare not to try it because they think it wouldn't work or Religion, specifically Islam, shouldn't be associated with Pop. I truly respect to my fellow Muslims who try to spread the words of our prophet through music and films because it is not an easy task to execute. May Allah help you in your journey, Maher Zain; Insya Allah.
Have a nice day everybody, Salam!
I figured that I should post some inked works to, you know, show you my progress. But alas, I can't. So, here are some random videos that, well, inspired me to write or to just pass my time.
I became a huge fan of home made stop motion videos after Transformers film came out. I love the idea of making your own version of the saga with toys. I respect them for posting their videos because they're doing what they love which is Transformers and story telling. The above video is just a short one. If you want to view a whole saga; try searching Nightslash 2020 on Youtube.
This is not a stop motion. It's just a guy playing with toys and does a voice over afterwards. However, I didn't straight away conclude this video as pathetic when I first saw it. No, I instantly loved it! Because it's funny and it shows what the DC and Marvel fans think of the latest superhero films in Hollywood. Again, this is a home made video. I did found a professional one; better stop motion with green screen backgrounds and what not. But I still prefer this one.
The latest music video from Coldplay! I love this band! How would I describe their song? Well, this is just a theory but I think Coldplay's songs are mostly about anything, I guess. For their first few albums, they sang mostly about love while Viva La vida or Death and all his friends was more to world peace. This is the unique part about Coldplay, they're always changing their gimmicks and sounds. Not many dare to do so; especially when you're successful as Coldplay. Most bands who were successful with their first and second album, they tend to stick with that gimmick to the very end of their careers.
I was never a huge fan of this band. I didn't hate them. I just didn't bothered to follow them. But I gotta admit, this video is awesome! And the song is just the kind of song I love!
Finally! A studio version of this song! I've posted a live performance video of this song before but hey, everybody prefers to listen to a studio recorded song in their mp3 right? So, how would I describe Mumford and Sons music? Well, most of their songs to me, screams out pride. Marcus's often screams really gets me pumped up; realizing me that I can't just sit down and whine about my problems. Their songs makes want to get up and achieve something.
And lastly, Maher Zain! What I love about this fellow Muslim is that he dares to try something new. I admit, most Malaysians just listen to his songs; saying "Oh, it's good", not knowing the genius and bravery of Maher Zain. Honestly, how many tried to collaborate Pop and Islam? Heck, I think many dare not to try it because they think it wouldn't work or Religion, specifically Islam, shouldn't be associated with Pop. I truly respect to my fellow Muslims who try to spread the words of our prophet through music and films because it is not an easy task to execute. May Allah help you in your journey, Maher Zain; Insya Allah.
Have a nice day everybody, Salam!
