“THE GREAT GATSBY” Movie Preview. All that Glitters is not Gold in this Sorry Tale of a Doomed Romance.

“THE GREAT GATSBY”  PRESS PREVIEW

” THE GREAT GATSBY” a critic’s pick?

Surely.

The film is based on the memorable SCOTT FITZGERALD classic novel. It faithfully charts the raw, desolate energy of the 1920′s age of great jazz and greater debauchery.

Compelling, powerful and intriguing, it unashamedly slams the excesses of the nouveau rich who flaunt their material wealth in style.

NO, MONEY CANNOT BUY HAPPINESS.

We are transported to wild parties galore where the non-stop popping of the bottle matches the continuous overflowing of champagne in a playboy’s paradise that extols beyond bewitching fashion and music.

The film director BAZ LUHMANN pulls no punches as he laces the film with lush, garish decor. He strips away the the thin veil which masks the super rich as a lonesome, isolated group leading wasted lives for want of true love and emotional acceptance.

We are constantly reminded that the film director is a master craftsman who will spare no pains in crafting an epic, utilizing every razzle dazzle gimmick on book, including the 3D.

He competently casts LEONARDO DiCAPRIO as Gatsby, TOBEY MAGUIRE as Nick Carraway the narrator of the story and the beguiling CAREY MULLIGAN as the narcissistic Daisy decked in glittering sequined gowns and jewels and her philandering husband Tom (JOEL EDGERTON). These are great actors.

“THE GREAT GATSBY” successfully spins a visual extravaganza with a forlorn tale of a doomed romance in the tradition of his  previous ROMEO AND JULIET.

The film opens with Nick, convalescing at a sanatorium in winter time, a few years after the events.

He is struggling to come to terms with his friendship with Gatsby and is urged by his psychiatrist to write down his memoirs.

Gatsby is portrayed as an elusive billionaire of mystery, shrouded in rumor, but one thing is evident: his heart belongs to Daisy, and she is one thing money can never buy.

“THE GREAT GATSBY” is a brilliant charmer, smart, sexy, swooningly romantic.

It is beautifully shot and powerfully acted.

Embodiment of the American dream or not, it is about a doomed romance amid an age of golden jazz and repulsive decadence.

For those who love beauty and the arts, don’t miss this one.

Right.

“HUMMINGBIRD” Movie Review. Can a Hummingbird signify a Death omen?

“HUMMINGBIRD” PRESS PREVIEW

Can a hummingbird signify a death omen?

You wish.

Still, I am convinced that I stumbled upon this questionable finding from some Asian supernatural folklore.

“HUMMINGBIRD” the movie is an arresting film, for all it’s worth.

It could have a lot more going, if film director STEVEN KNIGHT who also wrote the screenplay had focused on the character development of the lead players.

It is a mob thriller with a heart, some soul and loads of humanity.

JASON STATHAM is Joey Jones, a reluctant anti-hero on the run from a past he is fleeing in order to forget, to escape a military court-marshal.

He leads an impoverished existence where the streets of London is his abode, as he braves a dog-eat-dog society of  the weak being bullied and trampled upon by unruly gangsters.

His only friend is a God fearing albeit confused nun AGATHA BUZEK (Sister Cristina) who’s in charge of feeding the homeless.

She becomes Joey’s confidante and an initial platonic chemistry sparks off for the two, until lust erupts between two complex humane souls seeking emotional connection.

JASON STATHAM is given a different type of role this time.

He not only fights, he has to horn his acting skills playing a broken man torn by injustice, looking for redemption.

The movie has him breaking into a luxurious apartment in the posh district of Covent Garden where the owner has gone for an overseas business trip for three months.

He conveniently finds  a set of car keys, a credit card and a solid bank account where Joey can adopt a new identity. Instead, he uses this opportunity to atone for  his past deeds to come clean and get a respectful job.

He gives up drugs and some booze, finds work as a dish washer in a Chinese restaurant.

He ascends to the post of porter and unofficial bouncer.

Life’s getting a lot better and it’s not unusual that he redeems himself by handing out his hard earned cash to help his hungry at friends at the shelter.

This is a dark thriller where the action is carefully measured.

The director-of-photography dresses it with an atmospheric and evocative film style to bring on the chills.

Go watch it if you are a fan of action star JASON STATHAM.

This will be his first big acting role.

Now, give him a break!

MUM’s GOOD. TREASURE YOUR MUM.

IS YOUR MUM STILL AROUND?

If she is, then you are lucky. I have no such luck.

This morning my radio was belting out a nostalgic vintage song called “MUM’s GOOD”.

For whatever inexplicable reason, I always relish this heartfelt Mandarin hit.

It’s the title song from the movie of which I probably heard it a zillion times.

We often say a mother’s love is unconditional, instinctual and forever.

I should know, because mine passed on more than a decade ago and as the years roll by, I realize that I truly miss her. A lot.

I was a moron when I was young, a badass taking her love and concern for granted. My mum made it a point to press my clothes and had my favorite dishes heated up the moment I reached home from work.

Now, I wish upon a star that if she’s still living, I would want to hold her, hug her and let her know I adore her.

Alas it is too late and I beseech you all, those whose mothers are still around, to do just that.

Time and tide wait for no man and you’d not want to live a life of regrets, just like what I have gone through now.

Mother’s Day may have recently passed, but you don’t have to wait for any Mother’s Day to demonstrate your love.

Every day can be a Mother’s Day when you show your affection and appreciation.

Do it now and as often as you can.

Be cool.

Here’s the song:

MAKE ROOM IN YOUR HEART FOR WHAT FEELS GOOD.

You hear this one before, I am sure.

“Stop holding on to what’s hurting inside you

and make room in your heart for what feels good.”

THIS IS SO RIGHT.

I repeatedly remind myself.

I have to banish away the lonesome darkness, draw the hideous curtains to invite in the enlightening light.

I need to smile more ….

and demonstrate that I mean it.

It’s my life, my very own

and I am saying that I love myself.

Shouldn’t I?

I HAVE ENDURED PAIN. I AM NOT BRAVE.

ARE YOU SO STRONG AS YOU MAKE YOURSELF TO BE?

Strong men wear masks to conceal their emotions, to greet the day.

They put on a brave facade, as always.

Emotional anguish and pain?

Who hasn’t been put through all these?

SOMETIMES the STRONGEST among us are the ones who SMILE through SILENT PAIN, CRY behind CLOSED DOORS and FIGHT BATTLES nobody knows about.

Are you a brave one?

I am afraid I am not.

Truly.

DOGS. Do NOT take their UNDYING DEVOTION for granted.

APPRECIATING our DOGS for a lifetime of canine LOYALTY is SOMETHING we’ve ALWAYS taken for GRANTED.

Just like humans, DOGS have their own life span and may not be around to serve us forever.

If we don’t show how much we treasure and love them now, then when would the most appropriate time?

I suddenly realize that J-J, my baby long coat chihuahua is now 9 years old and is not as active as he used to be.

His hair is getting sparse.

His limbs are not as solid.

Everyday, I hug him, pat him and cajole him because I know that TIME and TIDE wait for no animal.

It is now my turn to show that I care, I love and I will be there for J-J, no matter what.

Amen.

CRIPPLED DOGS demonstrate a NEW DEVOTION for those who have PETS.

I read somewhere about crippled DOGS  …

and how they demonstrate a NEW DEVOTION for owners who have PETS.

 LIFE continues on a happy note when someone truly CARES about your welfare. Even if you are crippled or maimed.

May be a stark reminder, but this one is said with depth.

Not only about dogs, but humans need LOVE too, don’t we?

We need to be recognized and appreciated.

Fundamental human needs, dog days, whatever.

Just a welcome pat on the back, a hug so good, a smile so gentle, an acknowledgement so true.

It gives living and loving a new insight.

Try it, folks.