The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3

Managed to secure some movie tickets, courtesy of CinemaOnline :) and watched the preview screening at CineLeisure Damansara. Unlike the Angels and Demons preview, there weren't any Rela people with metal detectors making sure we didn't bring any handphones, cameras or the like. Maybe coz Pelham's already screening in other parts of the world. So no hiding cameras inside shoes drama this time :p

Anyway, to the movie. It was an enjoyable 1 hr + flick, and it satisfied my requisites for a good cinema watch. The ending felt a bit rushed, have to admit. I haven't read the book so I don't know if it's following it closely, haven't seen the first movie version either. The Washington -Travolta (W-T) combination was great to watch, Travolta clearly enjoys playing a bad guy, even if he did overdo it at times. Washington was solid as always.

The talking bits were intense enough, and the action was well-paced. The conflict between Washington and his boss could've been played out better though, and a bit more could be fleshed out for Washington's back story. There were some really humorous lines in the movie, but there were also a couple of one-liners that fell flat. 

(Picture shows Travolta trying to look inconspicuous and clearly failing, judging from the stares he's getting :P)

I'm a bit disappointed with the handling of the hostages themselves though. I thought the director could've fleshed them out a bit more, make them into people that the audience will care about, make the audience hope that they live. As it is, they're mere backdrops for the W-T interaction. Even Travolta's accomplices don't get any real characterisation.
                           
All in all, I liked it. It doesn't have an amazing plot by any means, when it comes down to it, it's a hostage movie, but it's enjoyable nonetheless.

My only question, which I'm sure to find an answer to when I google it later is, did Washington actually put on the kilos to star in this movie?

Test at Lords!

The Ashes is on full blast and once again, my viewing of the event is limited to live text updates on Cricinfo.com. My cricket tv time will come soon though, patience is key.

The 2^nd Test at Lords is certainly living up to The Ashes reputation as intense contest. After a frustrating draw (for Aussie supporters anyway), the Lords instalment is helping to pile on the drama. As it moves on into the final day, Australia are still on the ropes, but hell if they haven’t made a decent fight out of it.

Have to admit though, I’ve been underestimating Haddin’s batting, which may have been due in part to myself being a huge fan of his predecessor’s batting, Mr Adam Gilchrist. So far though, he has proven me wrong in this tour, to my delight. My only worry now is that at first glance he doesn’t seem to do very well if he’s batting with the tail, with his performance so far, Australia might want to consider moving him up the order. Haddin’s keeping however, was distinctly AWFUL, and will surely come into question.

Australia’s bowling definitely needs to improve though. Something needs to be done with Johnson especially, his form lurches between average to ridiculously poor. Not sure if his off-field issues are encumbering him, but someone definitely needs to sit down with him and thrash out his concerns. If Australia’s squad was unchanged in the 2^nd Test due to the fact that Australia were so close to winning the 1^st, then for the 3^rd Test the Aussies must seriously consider doing something different with their bowling lineup, given their inability to take wickets fast enough.

Cardiff was Australia’s to win, and their bowlers (or Ricky Ponting’s choices) blew it. Lords is now England’s to win. It is in their power. Let’s see what happens.

For my part I’m hoping England blow it of course!

My lady joins the Party!

Winning her first magazine gift pack, from Cosmo! Items won include a Sid Plush Toy, a cap, nifty drink container and 2 movie tickets, which can actually be used for any movie, not just Ice Age.

It’s a good sign of things to come! Here’s to a Dynamic Duo lethal combination!