MOVIES to watch

"Star Trek" Namelia-J's Pick



The fate of the galaxy rests in the hands of bitter rivals. One, James Kirk, is a delinquent, thrill-seeking Iowa farm boy. The other, Spock, was raised in a logic-based society that rejects all emotion. As fiery instinct clashes with calm reason, their unlikely but powerful partnership is the only thing capable of leading their crew through unimaginable danger, boldly going where no one has gone before.


We Think: I have never watched Star Trek before. Really. Okay, maybe I did, when I was a toddler, but that doesn't count since I hardly remember it. Anyways, I can see why Trekkies were excited about this movie. It has a nice blend of action and even some humour in it. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this movie. And I think that James Kirk (Chris Pine. You might remember him from Just My Luck) is adorable. :3

"Night at The Museum 2"

When the Museum of Natural History is closed for upgrades and renovations, the museum pieces are moved into federal storage at the famous Washington Museums. The centerpiece of the film will be bringing to life the Smithsonian Institution, which houses the world's largest museum complex with more than 136 million items in its collections, ranging from the plane Amelia Earhart (Amy Adams) flew on her non-stop solo flight across the Atlantic and Al Capone's (Jon Bernthal) rap sheet and mug shot to Dorothy's ruby slippers, Fonzie's jacket from Happy Days, the still from M*A*S*H and Archie Bunker's lounge chair from All in the Family. With a forwarded resume, Larry (Ben Stiller) becomes another caretaker at the Smithsonian, where Kahmunrah, an evil Pharaoh will come to life with the reestablishing of a tablet as a magical force in the museum bringing the old exhibits (Such as Theodore Roosevelt and Dexter) and new exhibits (like General Custer and Al Capone) back to life, and in conflict with each other. Larry enlists the help of Amelia Earheart, who he develops a romantic interest in, and together they try to put everything back in order.


We Think: A very ordinary movie with nothing to rave about. There are some funny parts in it, I give you that.

"It's a Boy Girl Thing"

The next door neighbors Nell Bedworth and Woody Deane have opposite behaviors and hate each other: the virgin geek Nell is polite, sensitive and well-prepared to go to Yale, while Woody is rude and his greatest expectation is to join a mediocre university due to his abilities playing football. When Nell and Woody are assigned to visit together a museum, they argue in front of the statue of an Aztec god. During the night, their souls swap bodies, bringing difficult situations to them. They first try to damage the reputation of the other in the high-school, but sooner they discover that their dream of joining college would only happen with mutual respect and support.


We Think: This movie, while predictable, was enjoyable. It is just like every other teen movie, but that doesn't mean that it is bad. In fact, I found it very funny. I loved the part where the girl woke up in the guy's body and found that she had 'morningwood'. Hilarious. XD


"X-Men Origins: Wolverine"

"X-Men Origins: Wolverine" tells the story of Wolverine's epically violent and romantic past, his complex relationship with Victor Creed, and the ominous Weapon X program. Along the way, Wolverine encounters many mutants, both familiar and new, including surprise appearances by several legends of the X-Men universe.

We Think: This movie was awesome! I loved everything about it; from the graphics to the plot to everything. Especially the graphics. However, I think that the previous X-Men movies are better, but Wolverine tied it all up nicely. - "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" review by Natasha

The winner of American Idol is...

Congratulations to Kris Allen! :D



To be honest, I was quite surprised that Kris won. I thought that Adam would win because I kept on hearing people raving about him. But based on Kris' last performance, I think he truly deserves to be the winner of American Idol. Again, congratulations! :D

American Idol: Adam Lambert Vs. Kris Allen

The countdown begins to the crowning of this season’s American Idol and battling for gold this year are two tremendously different artists – rock singer Adam Lambert, 27, from Sandiego; and guy-next-door Kris Allen, 23, fresh from Arkansas.

Who’s going to beat the odds and win ‘em all? We don’t have the answers!

However, psychotic fans that we are, we will serve you with predictions as to who we THINK has the American vote in the form of (my personal favourite pastime) a debate session.

Allow me to introduce to you Psychotic Fan #1, Namelia-J’s very own Tech Geek, Hajer!


Hajer:
KRADAM. KRADAM. KRADAM.

I’ve been following Idol since it first premiered on Malaysian television, and I have to say, this year’s serving tops all! I’ve never heard a better, more deserving cast of contestants in one season; and that’s the truth!

To be honest, I think both Kris and Adam should win! YES!

Just like Kris and Adam themselves have said, they’re both totally different artists, they both have two distinctly different styles, and, therefore, put together, they can’t be judged or compared. What it really boils down to is what the listener prefers.

Since auditions and, thus, throughout, I primarily had my votes on Adam because, honestly, I never actually realized Kris was even there – not until top 9, atleast. But, hey, we can all thank American Idol for that. After all, with such little screen time in his favour, who can blame a man from getting the hype he truly deserves?

All in all, I totally think that they both are winners.

If only Idol could call it a two way win for a change - that would be kick-awesome! I love Kris and Adam so much and I’m sure they would both make great, top selling albums. In fact, I'd be the first in line to buy their albums when they release.

So, whoever wins tomorrow doesn’t really matter. All the winner pretty much wins is the title of “who has the more obsessive fanbase” instead of who actually sings better because they are both seriously great at what they do.

Left to themselves, they are all ready Idols, in my opinion.

Kradam for the win.



And, speaking on behalf of the neutral party who just recently began taking interest in this amazing fad, the amazing, wonderful, genius that is I, N. Hannah, the Namelia-J Editor!



Hannah:
Before we begin, I’d like to stress on the fact that I am today acting as the neutral party in today’s debate. I’ve only started watching from the top 4, I think, but have been kept very-much up-to-date as to who has been singing what and how they’ve been doing and so on – all thanks to my sister, Hajer (or Psychotic Fan #1), of course.

To be honest, in terms of musical ability and overall performance, my vote would have to be Adam Lambert.

I’m not a fan of rock music all that much, and I must say that after a while his screaming does tend to get incredibly boring – but even then you have to admit, he pulls off every song you throw at him profoundly (if not a tad predictably).

In other words, what I mean to say is: he sings great. If it’s your first time seeing him or listening to him sing, he would definitely amaze you.

But if you’ve followed the show from day one and if you’ve heard one or two of his performances, then, basically, you heard them all – rock week, country week, any genre on any week, this guy is bound to pull the same trick: hit a few high notes and scream the rest out.

There you go. Awesome.

Kris, on the other hand, is, like the judges have often said, the dark horse of the competition.

Top 13 and you hardly even notice him.

Top 11 and it piques your interest as to why he’s still safe and in the running.

Then, out of the blue, Top Downloads week comes on and this random dude sitting behind his piano mesmerizes you with his intense rendition to, “Ain’t No Sunshine.”

Simply put, Kris Allen has had his ups and downs. Often times when the judges expect him to be sent back, he shocks all and keeps going.

He may not have as much musical prowess as competitor Adam Lambert, but this guy certainly does know how to keep his audience guessing.

We’ve basically seen everything Lambert has to offer, but something tells me that Kris’ best has yet to come.

In conclusion?

This is a tough one. Adam seems to be in the lead, but Kris is never without some surprises up his sleeve.

BOOKS, Pick of The Month: May

Everyone knows about Meg Cabot's books, right? So this month, since Melissa has a lot of Meg Cabot novels, we've decided to read her books and review them for you. This month, it is all Meg Cabot, baby!



"The Princess Diaries" by Meg Cabot



Mia Thermopolis is pretty sure there's nothing worse than being a five-foot-nine, flat-chested freshman, who also happens to be flunking algebra.

Is she ever in for a surprise.

First, Mom announces that she's dating Mia's algebra teacher. Then Dad has to go and reveal that he is the crown prince of Genovia. And guess who still doesn't have a date for the Cultural Diversity Dance?


We Think: I love the Princess Diaries series. Really, I do. This book is sure to have you laughing. It is very light. Easy reading. Funny. Perfect for reading on the beach. This book is what I would describe, reading for fun.


"The Mediator" by Meg Cabot



Suze is a mediator - a liaison between the living and the dead. In other words, she sees dead people. And they won't leave her alone until she helps them resolve their unfinished business with the living. But Jesse, the hot ghost haunting her bedroom, doesn't seem to need her help. Which is a relief, because Suze has just moved to sunny California and plans to start fresh, with trips to the mall instead of the cemetery, and surfing instead of spectral visitations.

But the very first day at her new school, Suze realizes it's not that easy. There's a ghost with revenge on her mind... and Suze happens to be in the way.


We Think: One of my personal favourites. The chemistry between Suze and Jesse is awesome, and Jesse makes your heart melt. I'm not kidding. He is THAT hot. He makes me swoon. On a more serious note though, the story is good, eventhough the beginning is a bit boring.


"All American Girl" by Meg Cabot



Top Ten Reasons Samantha Madison is in Deep Trouble:

10. Her big sister is the most popular girl in school
9. Her little sister is a certified genius
8. She's in love with her big sister's boyfriend
7. She got caught selling celebrity portraits in school
6. And now she's being forced to take art classes
5. She's just saved the president of the United States from an assassination attempt
4. So the whole world thinks that she's a hero
3. Even though Sam knows that she is far, far from being a hero
2. And now she's been appointed teen ambassador to the UN

And the number one reason Sam's life is over?

1. The president's son just might be in love with her


We Think: Amusing, but not that great.


"1-800-Where-R-You" by Meg Cabot


Just because her best friend wants to exercise, Jessica Mastriani agrees to walk the two miles home from their high school. Straight into a huge Indiana thunderstorm - and straight into trouble.

Not that Jess has never been in trouble before. Her extracurricular activities, instead of cheerleading or 4-H, include fistfights with the football team and monthlong stints in detention - luckily, sitting right next to Rob, the sexiest senior around. But this trouble is serious.

Because somehow on that long walk home, Jessica acquired a newfound talent. An amazing power that can be used for good... or for evil.


We Think: Boring. Usually, Meg Cabot's books are good. But this one? I will give it a pass.

Namelia-J is whole again

Yes, you've read that right! Our very own editor, Hannah, and Head of Sales+Advertising, Sofia, are BACK from National Service!

And yes, I know that they are back way too early - about a month too early - but there is a very good reason for it. They are going to start college on the 23rd this month.

Hannah is going to study in Kuantan - we are going to be separated yet again. Heartbreaking much? Thankfully, Sofia is going to stay here and study, however, she has to stay in a hostel so I can't see her much anyway.

Sigh.

I apologise for the lack of updates. I have been very busy with college life, assignments, driving and what not. I will try to give you all more updates. Stay tuned. :)

MOVIES to watch

"The Secret Life Of Bees" Namelia-J's Pick





Set in South Carolina in 1964, this is the tale of Lily Owens a 14 year-old girl who is haunted by the memory of her late mother. To escape her lonely life and troubled relationship with her father, Lily flees with Rosaleen, her caregiver and only friend, to a South Carolina town that holds the secret to her mother's past. Taken in by the intelligent and independent Boatwright sisters, Lily finds solace in their mesmerizing world of beekeeping.



We Think: An extremely beautiful, touching movie that will bring tears to your eyes. A must watch for those who love sentimental movies.




"The Uninvited"

Based on Kim Jee-Woon's 2003 Korean horror film, "Changhwa Hongryon," "The Uninvited" revolves around Anna (Emily Browning), who returns home after spending time in the hospital following the tragic death of her mother. Her recovery suffers a setback when she discovers her father (David Strathairn) has become engaged to her mother's former nurse, Rachel (Elizabeth Banks). That night, Anna is visited by her mother's ghost, who warns her of Rachel's intentions. Together, Anna and her sister (Arielle Kebbel) try to convince their father that his current fiancee is not who she pretends to be, and what should have been a happy family reunion becomes a lethal battle of wills between stepdaughters and stepmother.


We Think: It starts off very cliched, making you think that the killer is right in front of your face, but this movie finishes off with a twist. A good movie. Eventhough it is not that scary, I heard a lot of screams coming from the audience when I watched this in the cinema.


"Make it Happen"

Lauryn is a young woman from a small town in Indiana who moves to Chicago with dreams of entering the Chicago School of Music and Dance. But after rejection and a series of misfortunes she finds herself working in a burlesque club. The club proves to be a place of conflict and self-discovery, helping Lauryn to realize that even though plans may change, dreams never do.

We Think: I thought that it would another typical dance movie, and I was nearly right except that the movie did not have a gang or a person where the heroine would have a dance battle with - admit it, most dance movies are like that, right? Like every other dance movie, though, it has the element where the main character wants to fulfill her dream of becoming a dancer. The movie is very cliched but it is not bad. I just wish that the dancing is better though. It is not entertaining enough, in my opinion.


"Mall Cop"

Kevin James, of King of Queens and Hitch fame, plays your typical "every man" character in this movie. Paul Blart is a guy whose dream job (New Jersey state trooper) is just out of his grasp, but who's making the best he can out of the job he has - security guard at the local mall. He lives with his mother and daughter and dreams of finding that one person who can love and appreciate him for himself. The fateful time arrives for Paul to prove just what he's made of when a group of really bad folks, disguised as Santa's Helpers, take control of the mall just before closing time on Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year. They chase all the customers out at gunpoint, lock the doors, and take hostages in the bank branch located in the mall, including the object of Paul's affection - Amy - a kiosk worker in the mall. Their plan - steal the approximately $3 million in sales receipts on the credit card machines in the mall's stores. They've got just one problem - Paul Blart.

We Think: A thoroughly horrible movie. I was waiting for a laugh but none came. It isn't funny. At all. The most that this movie will get out of you is a few half hearted chuckles at the beginning of it. Watching this was almost excruciating. Note: avoid watching this movie at all costs.