Last Dinosaurs' Album Launch Show

It was the best night that I've ever had, so far, in 2012!

Last Dinosaurs is an indie-rock band from Brisbane, Australia. The band consists of four young boys: Sean Caskey (guitar/vox), Sam Gethin-Jones (bass), Dan Koyama (drum) and Lachlan Caskey (guitar). I found out this band when I went to watch Foster the People gig in Melbourne. Last Dinosaurs was the special guest. I was stunned by their music since then!

Me and a friend (she's a big fan too!) decided to go to their album launch show at The Toff, Melbourne. The tickets were limited, the place was small, and I love it! I was standing at the very front. So I can see each of the member clearly. Their songs are just awesome. Time and Place is the first song that I fell in love with. Other dope songs, I'd say, Zoom, Andy, Weekend, Sunday Night... Well, almost all of them, I guess! The guitar riff is unbelievably sick. It is addictive, really.

The cool thing is that we got to meet each member personally. They actually came out and hang around. I was starstruck (and so did my friend, lol) because before the gig, I was listening to their songs almost everyday. My hearts beat loudly when I'm about to say hi to them (especially to Sam, cause he's my favourite). But it turns out that these lads are really, really nice! They are really friendly and down to earth. They actually talk to us. Sean asked me if he's ever met me before, Dan told a story about polaroid films (cos my friend brought a polaroid), Sam smiled from far at me (die) and freaking hugged me (dead), Lachlan was about to pack up when I suddenly tapped his shoulder and asked for a picture, and he didn't seem to be annoyed at all!

I got the chance to take pictures with them all! If I could, I wanna rewind to the night again. Mad night.

Here's one of their singles (and one of my faves too!)

Hugo

"I'd imagine the whole world was one big machine. Machines never come with any extra parts, you know. They always come with the exact amount they need. So I figured, if the entire world was one big machine, I couldn't be an extra part. I had to be here for some reason."

This movie is based on Brian Selznick's The Invention of Hugo Cabret. The story is about an orphan boy who lives in a Paris railway station. He has this "job", he said, of fixing an automaton that his father left for him. This automaton, if it's fixed, then it has the ability to write.

It tells about Hugo Cabret's journey of finding piece after piece of the automaton itself. But what he found is more than that. He did not only fix the automaton, but he fixed someone's broken life and most importantly, he fixed his lonely life.

The story itself is full of complication, which is one of the keys that I like about a movie. But the direction from Martin Scorsese is remarkable. No wonder this movie got 11 Oscar nominations!

X-Men: First Class

"Mutant, and proud!"

Why is it hard for the society to accept people who are different? Why is it so easy for them to judge? These questions are just some of the many questions that I asked myself after I watched this movie. I might a little bit too late to review this movie, yes. But I just rented and watched it from iTunes yesterday.

I've never been a fan of X-men. Not until I watched this. 

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The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

“The bird, the pin, the song, the berries, the watch, the cracker, the dress that burst into flames. I am the mockingjay. The one that survived despite the Capitol's plans. The symbol of the rebellion.” 

The Hunger Games is always fun to read. There's a challenge in every page. I found myself being excited when I'm reading it. Suzanne Collins is a genius.

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"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

Magnificent. This is another fantasy book that I love after Harry Potter and Narnia! Or maybe I'd say, I love this story better than Harry Potter.

I first knew about the movie's that being adapted from the book, instead of the book itself. It is because Josh Hutcherson (I'm a big fan!) is playing as Peeta Mellark. Since then, I tried to find the book and finally got it!

It is about a country in the future, where it's divided into 12 districts. Each year, one girl and one boy from each district are selected to be played in the reality TV show called The Hunger Games. The game's objective is pretty much to kill each other. The last one survives would be the champion.

A girl from District 12, Katniss Everdeen, volunteered as tribute for her sister. Peeta Mellark, is the boy chosen from District 12. Both of them hate how the Capitol controlled the citizens. They hate how the Capitol somehow act as if they own the tributes. They hate the fact that the public enjoy seeing each tribute killed, one by one.

The story is written so interesting that I bring the book everywhere I go, that I read it everytime I have a little spare time. I went aah and ooh every single time I read it. It's just too good to be true.

It's amazing how Collins created the story to reflect that we should survive for more than one day. It tells how we never be grateful of what we have until it's gone, until it's hard for us to get. It tells about how we should fight to death to survive - to reach our dreams. It reflects the society that does what the Powerful One wants them to do.

I can't stop thinking about it. I'm gonna get the second and third book soon! This makes me cannot wait for the movie. I think it's a good decision to pick Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss, Josh Hutcherson as Peeta and Alexander Ludwig as Cato.

Now, go, buy and read the book! It's worth it really. I think it's the best book that I've read in 2011.

"The Pilgrimage" by Paulo Coelho

Beautifully written. Such a inspiring book it is. The book is based on his own experience when he became a pilgrim in the Road to Santiago. He shared what he learnt and how it can be applied in our daily life. You can found his pictures in the book during the pilgrimage.

Coelho is always good at stringing words. Here are some quotes from the book that I like:

"The good fight is the one that's fought in the name of our dreams."

"You have your own way of living your life, of dealing with problems, and of winning. Teaching is only demonstrating that it is possible. Learning is making it possible for yourself."

"The only way to make the right decision is to know what the wrong decision is,"

"Everything is contained in sounds - the past, the present and the future. The person who does not know how to listen will never hear the advice that life offers us all the time. And only the person who listens to the sounds of the moment is able to make the right decisions."

"The only reason for seeking a reward is to know what to do with that reward."

There are actually more heartwarming quotes that you can find in the book. I just can't write all of them here!

However, for me, the story is a bit confusing and complicated. There's too much going on. I'd say I prefer his earlier work, The Alchemist.

Movie Review: Real Steel

C H A M P I O N S   A R E N ' T   B O R N.   T H E Y ' R E   M A D E.

"I want you to fight for me. That's all I've ever wanted."

The only 2011 movie that made me cry four times when I watch it. Literally. So far, at least.

If only I could scream and give an applause in a cinema, I'd do it for Real Steel. I knew that this movie would be a great one. I've seen the trailer back in July, and I could not wait to see the movie. 

I'd recommend this movie for all people. I'd give 5 out of 5 stars. The story, the acting and the visual effects are just mesmerizing. I'll explain my opinions about the movie. I'm just excited to talk about it.

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Movie Review: The Art Of Getting By

 "You're going to have to start using that brain of yours to access that talent of yours to show that beautiful heart of yours."

Yeap, another movie that I watched in the plane!

Originally, The Art Of Getting By was titled as Homework. I don't why they changed it, but both titles fit to the story. The movie is about a boy named George (Freddie Highmore) who messed up with his homework. The reason is that he believes in the theory that people live alone and die alone. So he sees no point of doing all the homeworks. Not until he met Sally (Emma Roberts), the popular girl.

A kind of cliche and common movie, actually. But I like the idea of how a person can change yourself, either in a good or bad way.

Movie Review: Is Anybody There?

Another movie that I watched in the plane. Is Anybody There? is a story about a boy named Eddie (Bill Milner) who grows up in a house full of old people. This movie explores broken relationships and how it affects people's lives in a different way. The story might be a bit boring, however if you understand what the filmmaker trying to tell us, it becomes so interesting. Michael Caine is playing as Clarence, the retired magician who ends up living in Eddie's house.

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Movie Review: Super 8

I've actually watched several movies in the last few weeks - The Smurfs, Johnny English Reborn, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Super 8 and Is Anybody There? However, I'll just pick some of my favourites to be reviewed.

"Bad things happened... But you can still live, you can still live."

I watched Super 8 in the plane from Melbourne to Jakarta (yes, I'm in Jakarta now for a week!). This is a sci-fi movie for young adults. This movie is directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Steven Spielberg. I love this kind of movie - there's adventure, fantasy and love between two teenagers. Such a great story, great actors & actresses, great visual effects and great message.

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Movie Marathon: The Change-Up and Friends With Benefits

Girls' day out with my friend.

We went to see two movies and shopping :) So fun.

Both movies are comedy. They're actually my friend's choice. I was not so keen to watch them at first, but after she begged me to watch, I decided to go. But actually, I don't like to watch two new movies in a day. It's like, too much information to absorb.

Both movies are okay, eventhough I like Friends With Benefits better.

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Green Lantern

"In brightest day, in blackest night

No evil shall escape my sight

Let all who worship evil's might

Beware my power, Green Lantern's light!"

Another movie day! I've been going to the cinema once a week lately. Maybe I should stop, before I go bankrupt.

Yesterday I watched Green Lantern with my classmates, Rika, Ayu, Otto and Eric. The others were supposed to come, but they suddenly could not make it. So it was only the five of us.

Before I watched this movie, I checked it out in Rotten Tomatoes. The rate is so low and I was (sort of) shocked, because the trailer was sooo good. So the movie is supposed to be great. Some people also said that the movie's not nice. But I didn't care. I was curious. So I went and watched. Guess what, it ended up okay - not bad. I wouldn't say the movie's great, cause it's not. But I enjoyed it, it was good. That's what I think, though.

Two movies in a day: Glee 3D and Rise of Apes

I had two Hoyts cinema vouchers! So yesterday, I watched both Glee: The Concert Movie and Rise Of the Planet Of Apes! Overall, they both are the movies that I'd recommend you to watch.

The Book Of Tomorrow

"What if we knew what tomorrow would bring? Would we fix it? Could we?"
"All families have their secrets, most people would never know them, but they know there are spaces, there are gaps where the answers should be, where someone should have sat, where someone used to be"

A fun reading book.

This book was written by Cecelia Ahern. A book about a girl who moved out from the city to country. But the story is not only about how she adapt to the new environment. It's more than that. She's in her way to find her own self. A mysterious diary came up to her and changed her whole life, revealing the secrets that are hidden from for years. It is about saving your family. About love. It is about how a book that tells the future. "Sometimes, we don't choose the book. Sometimes, the book chooses us.", said by Cecelia Ahern herself.

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Captain America: The First Avenger

"Because a weak man knows the value, of strength. Knows the value, of power."

"Whatever happens, stay who you are. Not just a soldier, but a good man."

Some of you might already know about the story of Captain America. But I never knew; I only know the name. I am not a fan of Marvel comics. But I like to watch movies that are adapted from the Marvel comics.

I watched Captain America with my friend today. It was cool, just like other superhero stories. Some parts are a bit confusing in the beginning, but as the movie goes, it becomes clear. I must say, I like the movie but not so much. The storyline is okay, but not amazing. It does not really touched me. However, the coolest thing is the special effects, I must say!

WARNING: Paragraphs after this might contain spoiler.

Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows: Part 2

EPIC!

YES, I AM A BIG FAN OF HARRY POTTER!

I actually watched the part 2 last Saturday, with my roommate, Elvira. 

I was so excited! After of all these years, finally Harry beat Voldemort! :p I read the book a few years before the film is made. I was really into the book. I really felt like I was actually in the book. When I watched the movie, I was speechless. Well yes, some parts are a bit disappointing. But who cares? The special effects was astonishing, the actors&actresses were all amazing and the atmosphere in the movie was also perfect. As the line suggests, "It All Ends", meaning the bad guy lost and the good guy won. However the meaning is different to me: It means Harry Potter has ended. No more Harry Potter! :(

WARNING: Paragraphs after this might contain spoiler.

The Lucky One

"Admittedly, there was a lot she still didn't know about him, but she did know this: He completed her in a way that she'd never thought possible. Knowledge isn't everything, she told herself, and she knew then that, in Nana's words, he was the toast to her butter." 

Another heart-warming with a touch of light tragedy story of Nicholas Sparks. For those Sparks fans, yes this book is another Sparks' typical love story. But yet, if you take a look closer to the detail, you'll find valuable messages behind it.


And I can't wait for the movie! Yes, it's going to be out in 2012 according to IMDb. Zac Efron will be playing as Logan Thibault. I know there's a lot of Zac's fans out there, waiting for the movie :p

WARNING: Stop reading of you don't want me to spoil the story. If you're okay with it, you might want to click the link below.

Flipped

"A painting is more then the sum of it's parts. A cow by itself is just A cow. A meadow by itself is just grass, flowers. And the sun picking through the trees, is just a beam of light. But you put them all together and it can be magic." 

I have been searching and searching for this kind of movie! You know, a first-love story that is played by two young actor and actress. You might have heard about Little Manhattan. Yes, this movie somehow has the same concept with Little Manhattan. First Love. But this one is different. 

WARNING: The paragraphs after this might contain spoiler. So don't continue reading if you don't want me to spoil the story.  

The movie is seen from two perspective, which are Bryce Loski (Callan McAuliffe) and Juli Baker (Madeline Carroll). So the story tells about how Juli fell in love with Bryce in the first sight. Juli, who's a hyperactive and confident girl, always tried to get closer to Bryce. She didn't care how Bryce was annoyed by her actions. Bryce tried his best to avoid Juli, such as dating the hottest girl in school. But that does not make Juli gave up. 

But then, Juli started to open her eyes about Bryce. She realized that Bryce never respect her. In the same time, Bryce changed his mind about Juli. He likes Juli Baker. That is why the movie is called Flipped. Because both of them are flipped.

Opinions:
I think this is a really good movie for teenagers, because the movie is looking at the situation from two different perspectives. After you watched the movie, you'll see that girls often blinded by love. When they like someone, they will only see the good sides of the boy. Eventhough they've seen the bad sides, they will ignore them and only looking at the good sides. And I think the depiction of teenage girls in Juli Baker is absolutely true.  But then, Juli realized that Bryce is stupid and childish. Personally, I think Juli in the beginning is the type of girls in general. However, she is a smart and tough one. So later on, she's being an open minded and starting to see the reality.

On the other sides, Bryce Loski in the beginning also portrays the common boys. He wants to date the popular girl in school. He gets annoyed when (what he think is) an ordinary girl, in this case Juli, likes him and tries to get closer to him. He sees girl only by the popularity and looks. Without even bothered to see the personality and even how smart the girl is. Bryce in the beginning is also a coward. When Juli asked him to help her so that the tree won't be cut, he just walked away. And also, when he first liked Juli, his friend mocked Juli. And he did NOT try to defend Juli or whatsoever. He just laughed. Yes, laughed. Coward. But then, he changed. He saw something different in Juli. When he read an article about Juli,. He does not care anymore about what people think about him or Juli, he stayed on what he wants. And I think, Bryce likes Juli even more because Juli started to avoid and refuse him. Yes, that might portrays common boys too. Some boys feel more challenged when the girl is hard to get. Or maybe they just feel ashamed if a girl refuse them? I don't know :p

Anyway, I recommend this movie to you, teenagers. Or young adults too. People who like a fairytale-like love story.  

Never Let Me Go

"It had never occurred to me that our lives, so closely interwoven, could unravel with such speed. If I'd known, maybe I'd have kept tighter hold of them."

Honestly, I discovered this movie when I researched 'Charlie Rowe' on IMDb and found out that he was in the movie playing as the Young Tommy. So I decided to watch the movie.

Before I watched it, I thought the movie was about another common love story. Well, it is. But the main focus is deeper than that. WARNING: The paragraphs after this might contain spoiler. So stop reading if you don't want me to spoil the story :)

The movie begins with a boarding school as the background. The main characters, Kathy (Carrey Mulligan), Tommy (Andrew Garfield) and Ruth (Keira Knightley) were also students of this boarding school. The school itself was different from any other normal school. In the school, the kids were mostly taught arts and sports. The school was pretty strict. The kids were strongly forbidden to cross the fence. They were told about some terrifying stories about children crossing the lines. They had no idea why they were in that school. Then, they found out that they were actually clones. They were created so that they would donor their vital organs to the 'originals' (aka the real human). 

The story plot was about Kathy fell in love with Tommy, the boy who was bullied in school. At first, Kathy befriend with Tommy, because she felt sorry for him. But then she found out that Tommy is her first...and ever love. However, Ruth, who was secretly also had a feeling with Tommy, took him from Kathy. Ruth and Tommy were together then.

When they were all grown up, they had to donor their organs. All the clones would eventually dying. Ruth was the first. Once said that if they were two clones that can prove that they're falling in love with each other, and it was a true love, they would not have to donor their vital organs anymore. They were told that they have to make artistic works to show their love and for people to look into their souls. However, the most heartbreaking line is that the artworks were intended "to see if you (the clones) have souls at all".

The message that I could take from this movie is that these experiments actually have the rights to be free. The rights to protect their own body. The rights to live their life. It was such a heartbreaking yet meaningful movie. Recommended.

P.S. Charlie Rowe has all grown up <3