The Phantom of the Opera: Taking Theater Experience To The Next Level

Though not a complete fanatic of theater and performing arts, I'm pretty much keen to go to any local shows in Actors Studio Bangsar or KLPAC Sentul. To take my theater experiences to a higher level, I've decided to go for 'The Phantom of the Opera' in Singapore's Esplanade Theatre this coming April. Hailed as the longest-running and most popular musical, 'Phantom' is definitely a must-go for theater lovers, even if you're a newbie to the arts scene. Tickets should be selling out fast, as the demand has always been very high for this. But thanks to Don, I've already bought the tickets since last December. Yet another interesting new activity this year, besides being a wannabe filmmaker.

BMW Shorties

With the new year, new projects and plans are ventured, news interests are discovered and unraveled. Me and my friends have chosen to embark on shooting a short film this year, with the array of competitions coming out all year round. One of it is the BMW Shorties, a short-film competition supported by the BMW group to promote the making of short films and also encouraging aspiring young film-makers (or wannabes) to create new ideas and films. The theme for this competition is 'Mobility', as simple as that.

We have just finished the shooting part, but now it all comes to the most crucial part yet, the editing process. The arrangements and cuttings must be in a good order to go along with our concept which we came out, and also it must goes with the theme. The appropriate music and other transitional effects must be also placed into our production so that it will be more interesting and appealing.

Well, this is just an experimental film which we are doing for the fun of it. It took us only two days worth of filming, and it's the first time we're doing it. Fingers crossed. Hope that at least we can make it into the top 10 finalists.

Review: Blood Diamond

Here's another sweet, simple and quick review unleashed on the go (I don't like to write long winded reviews) on the movie 'Blood Diamond'. As usual, I won't put too much effort to write out the story here, not even a summary. 'Blood Diamond' is a one-of-a-kind movie, from director Edward Zwick ('Courage Under Fire ', 'Legends of the Fall', 'The Last Samurai'). Leonardo DiCaprio's performances are unquestionably great and legendary, as his track record proves it very well ('The Departed', 'The Aviator', 'Catch Me If You Can', 'Gangs of New York'). Really love that 'anti-hero' role/character which DiCaprio plays. Same goes to Djimon Hounsou and Jennifer Connelly. The film also has put to good use of 'shaky cam' effects in some of the action sequences. The story line was very intriguing. Even though some of the ideas/plot used in the movie are quite cliche (because the mind has been fed with too many movies) and predictable at times, but the whole movie is refreshing in terms of it's characters and good acting as well. Not to mention, the script gets even better.

This movie feels like an upgraded and better version of 'The Constant Gardener', with more action and better plot. Highly recommended for anybody who just needs to watch a good movie.

(5 out of 5 candies)