Fashionista's Movie Review: Step Up Revolution

I had the opportunity to watch this movie last night and I really, really enjoyed the dance scenes. Unfortunately the storyline is pretty much similar to the previous Step Up movies; boy meets girl, boy and girl dances together, boy and girl fights and boy and girl gets back together. Pretty much the same I'm afraid.

Here's the trailer of the movie courtesy of YouTube. 

There are two dance scenes that I particularly liked. The first one was the one in the art gallery. Sadly, I couldn't find the video on YouTube. It is really cool and amazing (in my amateurish opinion). And here's another one of the dance scenes that I liked, the one where the mobbed the city council's office. 

Video courtesy of YouTube. 

For those who loves dance movies (or you simply love to dance) I really recommend the movie. For those who aren't into dance and hate lame boy meets girl movies, don't watch this movie, you'll definitely yawn yourself into oblivion. 

Oh, and a note of caution, if you're fasting, don't watch the movie just yet. It has too many scenes that is definitely not for those in a fasting state of mind. 

Some info on the movie can be found [here] or alternatively you can watch the trailer on YouTube [here] (in case my embedded videos don't work) and the office mob dance scene is [here].

xoxo Mrs Fashionista

Fashionista's Movie Review: Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa

I have been anticipating this movie. Nope, not because it's a Malay movie. Some people are so against Malay movies and some are so for it. For me, it depends on what type of movie it is. And in this case, the first time I heard about the movie was when I googled Kukubesi. And you must be wondering what on earth is Kukubesi (or literally translated to nails of steel or something to that effect).

A few weeks back (somewhat in February) I had the opportunity of attending a photography talk that focuses on editing and one of the more notable photoeditors in Malaysia is a man who goes by the name Kukubesi. He designs and edits some of KRU production movies and album covers and among them is the one for Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa.

This is the movie poster for this movie's international release.

This movie largely revolves around the history of Merong Mahawangsa (by the way, Hikayat means Tales in English so Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa means The Tales of Merong Mahawangsa) who was discovered by Marcus (the prince of Rome) who was stranded in Goa. His ship and crew perished in the high seas on the way to his wedding to the Princess of China. Merong was accidentally discovered in the midst of fighting a huge Indian man (the Indian's sister wanted to run away with Merong and the man challenged him to a duel) and it was when Merong defeated the Indian that Marcus was so impressed with his skills that he employed Merong to bring him to Langkasuka (or Kedah as it is known today) to meet his future bride. And so that is how the story goes.

I would have to confess that I am really impressed with the movie. Although it is an epic movie, I certainly did not expect the movie to be alike to Lord of the Rings. And nor the movie is similar to LOTR. However, I do like the strong storyline. I loved the fact that KRU blended the movie with computer generated images (CGI) and a lot of effects to help blend the journey and the story being played out. I do like the story behind the two waging villages, Geruda and Langkasuka, and also how it all started and the villains in the movie (Kemawas and Taji) are spectacular in their performance.

However, I do admit that there are a lot of rooms for improvement in this movie. Firstly, I do think that they could have done better with the wigs for Kesum. Seriously, that huge pile of white hair looks too fake, especially on the head of Datuk Rahim Razali. And fight scenes needs further coordination. Some of the actors looked as if they were just playing around during the fight scenes and this one scene with Jehan Miskin was overkill.

Other than that, I'd say I am really proud of the accomplishments that KRU have done and hope that this is another milestone in the Malaysian movie industry. Bravo KRU! Keep up the good work and soon we will be as good as LOTR and Pirates of the Caribbean (I truly hope so).

See y'all at the movies!


xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo

Fashionista's Movie Review: No Strings Attached

Ashton Kutcher is so delicately charming. And wonderful. And an absolute great boyfriend he'd make. No, make it the perfect boyfriend. On screen, that is.

I really loved the movie. Nope, I didn't mind that Natalie Portman was such a selfish b*tch in the movie. And that I did cry a little when they kinda broke up. Kinda, since there was no relationship to begin with.

This is seriously a chick flick. With lots of fun and laughter and not to mention s*x. But that is to be expected. Since the two of them (Portman and Kutcher) are sex friends. Like, friends who occasionally have sex with each other. Which it seemed to me to be rather often. And anyways, this is how the troubles began.

Well, to be frank, it seems to me that in this movie, Ashton Kutcher seems like the dream boyfriend. Except for the minor fact that he wanted to f*ng*r Portman when he was 15 (well in the movie that was how they met) he seems like a very decent guy, who is so charming and adorable that it's wouldn't be hard to fall for him (besides already falling for his good looks and ribbed torso that is).

But there the movie goes deeper into Portman's peculiarities and her aversion to relationships and getting close to anyone for fear of getting her heart broken.

Well, well. Let me not spoil the movie for you. For lay-dies out there, this is a must see with your girlfriends. You will, and I really mean it, laugh your heart out (*_*)

See you at the movies!!


xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo

Fashionista's Movie Review: Eat, Pray, Love

I was supposed to be attending Mandarin class when my mum suddenly asked me to drive her to tHe Spring. She said she was going to watch a movie, Eat, Pray, Love. When in the car, I asked her who she was going with, and she said, No One. She was going to watch the movie alone. A-L-O-N-E. I can't let her do that! Not only is it wrong, but she's watching a movie that I have yet to watch. Oh, that simply cannot do. So I decided to skip Mandarin class and watch Julia Roberts in action.

Attraversiamo. Just that one word. That is what the whole movie is all about. How can I not love this movie? I think this movie is what every woman dreams for themselves, a journey into life and life itself. It's a search of who we really are. And I am not saying that all women are lost, but simply it would be great to find yourself and the best thing is, finding yourself in an adventure that you created for yourself. I would certainly love to be on that adventure.

Photo taken from Wikipedia.

So, a bit on the movie. It's a movie about a lady named Elizabeth Gilbert (and if you haven't already noticed 'duh!' Elizabeth Gilbert is also the name of the author). In actual fact, this movie recounts a part of her life, an entertaining autobiography, I must say. It started in Bali. Oh, I love Bali. I went there last year and watching the movie simply made me want to go back to Bali. A Bali medicine man predicted her life and her marriage and that later she would be back to Bali. And that is how the movie starts.

Then, coming back to her present life, she was in a good relationship with the husband but not necessarily happy. I think in a way, Liz is wondering why she isn't happy the way things turn out, even though she had taken an active role in that life of hers.

Anyway, to all of you, I really recommend that you see the movie. For me, I took it another step further by buying the book at the airport (for my trip to Kuala Terengganu, with the hopes that I'll be able to steal a few moments here and there to read the book). It's an absolutely great movie. It's off the charts. I'm sure watching it would reveal certain thing that we wished upon ourselves. And the best part is, it's not wrong to go and discover what you want.

See you at the movies!

xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo

Fashionista's Movie Review: Magika

I had the opportunity to watch this movie over the weekend with my BFF (it was her birthday on Saturday and I felt so bad that I didn't celebrate with her on Saturday that I spent the whole day Sunday with her).
This is a movie by KRU productions the KRU brothers (Norman, Yusry, Edry who were once famous as Malaysian's very own rap group), as I didn't know about the movie (don't blame me as the movie promo has yet to reach my eyes and ears) I decided to keep an open mind about the movie and see how it goes.


The movie is basically a compilation of Malaysian's tales (true or otherwise) like Pak Pandir, Bawang Putih Bawang Merah, Mahsuri, Hang Tuah and many other Malaysian stories. The movie started with two siblings arguing and it was later revealed that their mother had recently passed away and they were both coping and grieving over the loss. The brother, Malik ran into the nearby forest after the argument and fell into a well which brought them into the world of Magika. As the day was drawing to an end, the sister, Ayu went in search of Malik and found Malik's belongings next to the well and she went down the well as well.

I am certainly not going to tell you the rest of the story as it would be best that you discover by yourself by going to the nearest cinema. My review? Well, the movie certainly has a very powerful cast with names like Fauziah Ahmad Daud (as the late Mom), Jalalludin Hassan (as the father), Aznil Nawawi (as Pak Pandir), Vanidah Imran (as Mahsuri) and many others. Oh yes, I forgot to mention the leading lady, Diana Danielle and leading man is non other than Malaysian's Mawi (which I am not a fan, however).

Although I was impressed the KRU's CGI (computer generated images) and the scene (for Magika) was certainly set to look very fairytale~ish (at some point it did remind me of Alice in Wonderland of some sort), I do feel that although Diana Danielle makes a good leading lady (I'd say she acts better than Fasha Sandha) but I am not that impressed with Mawi. Blame it on bias but I do feel that the movie would have been better if the hero was other than Mawi.

Overall, I'd rate the movie on a 7 out of 10 for Malaysian movie. It was pretty entertaining, I love the laughs and comedic scene and for a musical it was certainly quite well done.

See ya at the movies!!

xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo

Fashionista's Movie Review: Step Up 3D

Watching this movie certainly highlighted the point that I'm no dancer. And also the other fact that these people take dancing very, very seriously.

Throughout the movie you'll see a lot of hopping and twisting and jumping and bending of bodies like its made out of plastic. Kinda like Kungfu without the fighting and blood and such.

Yup, this is what this movie does to you.

I had an opportunity to watch this movie during the weekend and I must admit, the music and the dance moves are simply amazing. Now, about the movie. As usual, all Step Up movies are the same, so once you've seen one, you've kinda seen it all.

It's a movie about a boy and a girl and they fell in love and then he finds out that the girl is the sister of his biggest rival (this is like the most predictable movie ever, right?) Anyways, the movie is very much into dancing and choreography so let me say that it is a highly entertaining movie and you should treat it as such.

If you are a fan of dance and choreography, I'm sure you'll appreciate the way the dancers are aligned together. Dancing in a group is not easy and the timing has to be perfect. And I would also have to commend on the way they added lights to their outfits thus making their dance moves even more impressive.

My verdict? Do go, well, why not? It certainly opens up your mind on the lives of dancers, their aspirations and their appreciation of the art of dancing.

Cheerio!

xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo

Fashionista's Movie Review: The Expendables

Had an opportunity to watch this movie over the weekend. I don't what has come over me, but I do know one thing, I've become lazy! Gosh! It's a BIG NO-NO to be lazy and of course I absolutely abhor lazy people but I feel slightly sluggish these past few days. It could be due to fasting but I seriously doubt it. Most probably it's the lack of sleep that's catching up to me.

So, instead of doing nothing (which I seldom indulge in) we (I mean me and my friend and not my alter ego) decided to go watch a movie. A lovely way to spend time without admitting that you've been doing nothing but watch the screen for the whole 1 1/2 hours or so.

This movie started with the crew (aptly named The Expandables) barging into a group of terrorists currently filming their latest ransom video on a group of civilians. All of a sudden without warning, the terrorists were ambushed by a group of men, demanding that they stop whatever they are doing and they will receive payment of USD 3 million. But no, the terrorists had to be greedy and demanded payment of USD 5 million. So, the shooting ensues and that is how the movie starts.

My verdict? Well, the movie is certainly gory but don't worry, there have been other movies which are more gory than this. It's filled with blood and spatter of more blood and a few bodyparts here and there. Certainly not for those who are faint at heart. What I can see from the movie is apparent is that Sylvester Stallone is grouping all the famous names in action movies like Jet Li, Jason Statham, and many others but their names elude me. Unfortunately, famous names are not enough to attract movie-goers. I felt like the movie was trying too hard, in a sense getting together all those famous names (even Bruce Willis and Arnold made a short appearance) but too much of a good thing is NOT a GOOD THING.

However, I do love the quirky dialogs, which made the movie kinda cute. I think the movie, is not bad but then again, the producers shouldn't really rely on big names to sell the movie. If a movie is good, people will go.

My recommendation? Go if you like action movies. I'm sure you'll like it. For those who are not into gory movie scenes, it's your call.

Have fun at the movies! Cheerio!

xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo

Fashionista's Movie Review: The Sorcerer's Apprentice

Watched a movie about a nerd. Surprising how people nowadays are willing to pay to watch a movie featuring a nerd. And that crowd includes yours truly; I went, I paid, I watched.

A Disney film is always first and foremost, entertaining. After all, that is what most Disney films are all about. So, this movie is supposedly to be akin to one of Disney's masterpieces, Fantasia.



Imagine how surprised I was when the movie is not in the least like Fantasia and there was no Mickey Mouse in sight. Instead, we have Nicholas Cage looking all disheveled and bedraggled, definitely not in your average wizard attire.


So, what's my verdict? I'd say this movie is not really to my liking. Watch it if you like movies involving a lot of magic but then again, the movie didn't really intrigue me that much. I felt that the emotions were lacking, the actors (it could be due to the fact they are young though) were unable to bring the message across so to me it was a bit disappointing at times.


Anyway, if you like it (like some of my friends) then you will certainly will. Do not let my review stop you from watching a not-really-that-fascinating movie on sorcerers, magic and apprentice.


Cheerio!




xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo

Fashionista's Movie Review: Salt

How can anyone look so fabulous while being on the run?

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

Yep, that is how Angelina Jolie is. Unfortunately for mere mortals like us, we are not blessed with smooth skin and perfect hair so we are left to make do with sweaty enlarged pores and dry flaky skin *loud sigh*.

Anyway, had the opportunity to watch this movie during the weekend and I was simply in awe of the stunt scenes and the twists and turns in the movie.


So, I'd better let you in on what the movie is all about, shall we? And by the way, the way Angelina looks after jumping from lorry to lorry is simply wrong. She looks so good after being flung onto the top of a lorry, how could your hairdo looking perfect?


The movie started with Angelina being tortured in a prison in Korea. Although she insists that she is not a spy, the movie revealed later that she is indeed a spy for the CIA. Then the movie started to introduce her husband and the life that she was living two years later.


All of a sudden a Russian spy came to confess that there is going to be a killing two days from now. A killing of the Russian president during the funeral of the vice-president of the USA. And the killer is Evelyn Salt. Definitely Angelina was surprised and shocked (by the way, she is surprised because she IS Evelyn Salt). All of a sudden she was running because she was afraid what would happen to her husband. And so starts the action, drama and suspense.


Overall, I would recommend the movie (not because Angelina Jolie is in it) simply because I love the storyline. I love the way how the plots change and the element of surprise in the movie. For me it was certainly a great movie to watch.


See y'all at the movies!


xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo

Fashionista's Movie Review: Inception

Went off for a girl's nite out last night and we decided to watch Inception, the new movie that has been rolling in big bucks in the box office. I was a bit intrigued by the trailer so I decided to give it a go and see what the movie is all about.


Hmm.. Where shall I start? Definitely the main star is Leonardo Dicaprio (starring as Mr. Cobb) who seems to have issues with his wife. His dead wife. Who seems to be bent on revenge (which will later be revealed in the movie) and seems to be stalking him everywhere.

So, what do I think of the movie? For one thing, the whole movie lasted 2 and a half hours (which to me is a very, very long time). The movie's theme is more towards suspense added in a bit of drama and thriller. Although it is a very heavy movie (which what I mean by that, has a serious plot and is not for those who are looking for a relaxing time at the movies). But then again, Leornardo's pick of movies has always been very intense, emotional and the plot is usually very thick. But I do like the way the film play's with your imagination and sort of questions the reality that you live in.

All in all, I'd recommend the movie for those who loves drama and suspense. There are many twists and turns in the movie which makes the movie an interesting watch.

Happy watching peeps!


xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo

Fashionista's Movie Review: Twilight Eclipse

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.

So I went for a movie session last weekend (happily noting that my sense of style is back and definitely that added cheery notes to my already exciting day). We decided to watch the most-anticipated Twilight movie, Eclipse.

Although it is hard to predict the flow of the movie as I have not read the book *gasp!* Unfortunately time does not permit me to relax and read a book or three of the twilight saga and therefore I was caught unawares of several of the movie plots. And for some of the other plots, I was able to foresee the direction with the help of kissing and hugging scenes here and there. It is a love story after all.

Unfortunately, I am baffled by some of the scenes in the movie which made absolutely no sense to me. Like the part where there was a snowstorm the night before the fight and a few days later when both Bella and Edward were sitting in a field of flowers, it seemed like spring. It would seem that the season changes pretty fast in Forks. Another part is on how accomodating and understanding Edward is knowing to the fact that Bella had kissed Jacob passionately just moments before.

Well, who am I to say, maybe that is the stuff blockbusters are made of, love triangles and such. But it is a rather stressful affair that I think I might be tempted to forego the next installment in the Twilight saga.

Cheerio!

xoxo Fashionista in Action xoxo