300: Rise of an Empire Movie Review

Sort of during / continuation of the movie 300 adapted from the Frank Miller Comic, this movie is sort of an extension of the 300 movie. Thinking of game term, this is a side quest or a add on pack you need to purchase.

Throughout the movie, you see topless men everywhere and gratuitous blood and gore. The naval battle and the horse scene is pretty awesome, but the movie lacks the momentum like what they did in 300.

The stylistic death scenes is what you would expect in a video game today, and no doubt, there will be a video game around this movie. Lots of blood, lots of gore, lots of topless man... Wait, did I forgot about the plot of the movie?

If you love the slo-mo gore and blood in 300, this movie will not disappoint you.

If you love hot bodies, men with great chiseled bodies, this movie will not disappoint you.

If you enjoy blood and mutilation with tons of decapitation, piercing through bodies, this movie will not disappoint you.

Overall, the movie is stylistically very pretty, some of the scenes pretty well done, but the pacing of the movie is not as good as the original 300.

Watching this in 3D with more blood and gore is pretty worth it, otherwise, watch it at home with lots of alcohol!

Rating: 6/10

-- Robin Low
 

Chinese New Year in Malaysia vs Singapore

I was in Malaysia during Chinese New Year and the festive feeling is much more intense. On the weekends, there are fireworks everywhere and most buildings are decorated.

In Singapore there are various designated places where they have done it up, and some, still look like Christmas lights.

I do feel that in Kuala Lumpur, things are much more bustling and interesting. There is no comparison between having Chinese New Year in Malaysia as

1) More variety of things to do, temples open late.
2) Fire works / fire crackers are allowed.
3) Bukit Bintang and various other mall areas are heavily decorated giving the festive feel.

Singapore on the other hand, action is where the casinos are. and at various designated areas.

1) River Angpao
2) Sentosa RWS
3) Istana Open House
4) Gardens by the Bay
5) Chinatown.

As a result, there is a crush of people everywhere you go and forget about taking a taxi as they are impossible to flag down.

I do feel that even though the F&B take this opportunity to over charge, generally, the cost is 40% less in Malaysia and food tastes better.

I prefer fresh chicken/ pork rather than the frozen ones you get in Singapore, and most food places are still family owned, where as there are lots of franchises in Singapore.

I must agree, that in both countries, unless you go to a very high end restaurant, service is generally bad, but food can be exceptional.

If you have not been in Malaysia (KL) for Chinese New Year, you should give it a try.

-- Robin Low

Chinese New Year in #Singapore

There are always more celebrations of Chinese New Year in Asia, Singapore is no exception.

A few weeks before Chinese New Year, Chinatown Singapore will have night bazzars selling Chinese New Year goodies. Although the price of the products increase every year, possibly due to rents, the crowds do not seem to care.

Weekends and days before Chinese New Year will bring extra large crowds to Chinatown. Every year, the products sold is the same, over priced new year goodies, made in China. Squeezing through the crowd is an experience, so if you have not done it, it is worth a try.

In Singapore, on the eve of Chinese New Year till the second day of Chinese New Year, many shops are closed. However, there are also some Chinese New Year specific events to go to.

1) River AngPao.

This event is held on the Singapore River. Typically beside Esplanade at the F1 Building floating platform. There will be lots of "lanterns" and the 12 zodiac signs on display and of course, this free event draws huge crowds too.

There are also many shows at River AngPao, but these shows are rarely worth the wait. Its usually some Chinese groups dancing and singing folk songs, and besides having nice costumes, the performances are rarely spectacular.

2) Free Museum Visits. (National Museum of Singapore) is usually free on Chinese New Year.

3) Istana Open House. -- Free entry, and open to visits on first day of Chinese New Year.

4) Floral Displays. -- Used to be at RWS (Resorts World Sentosa) but it is now at Gardens by the Bay, and it is not free. Normal Admission applies.

5) Sentosa Events. -- Acrobatics, Lion Dance and Dragon Dance, along with the parade of "God of Fortune" is an annual event at RWS. Admission to the Island is $1 via board walk and the outdoor events are free.

Crowds to these free event will be huge, and toilets are rare and hard to locate. The performances in Sentosa is much better than River AngPao, but you need to find out the schedule and arrive early.



Coming to Singapore for Chinese New Year is a rather interesting experience, but it can be pricey as everything costs more than the usual. (Being the 7th most costly city, things are not cheap to start with)

Definitely lots of interesting things to do and see. (But lots of shopping closed for 3 days)

-- Robin Low

The Monkey King [Donnie Yen] (大闹天宫 ) Movie Review

This movie follows closely to the cartoons and books I read as a child. The movie set is ok, and the costumes are amazing, however, while watching the movie, I felt that the overly used and abused CG (Computer Graphics) makes the movie feel "kid focused". Sadly, the CG in the movie is not even good CG. very fake/bad made for TV quality, which makes Sharknado look amazing.

The whole movie was pretty entertaining, but for the price of movies today, I would say, you can miss this and wait for the DVD as the big screen does not add anything to the story.

The "Wire-fu" everything seems pretty lame, and along with the blue/green screen effects, the movie feels like a cheap/ low budget flick.

With actors like Aaron Kwok, Chow Yun Fatt and Donnie Yen, it is sad to see that the budget went to the actors not the special effects to say.

Overall, still an enjoyable flick, very cheesey effects.

5/10 - Wait for the DVD

-- Robin Low

Worst Children Books -- EVER!

These books are real...

How did they even get published?

And yes, I'm judging the book by its cover.

-- Robin Low

Why I prefer Manual Lens than AF lens

 

I have always preferred owning Manual Lens over AF lens. I feel that sometimes, the feeling of focusing with your own hands is better than relying on the AF mechanism.

I've owned the Canon L 70mm-200mm f2.8 IS II, 200mm f2 L, and various other lens, and I do like them, however, as a collector, I do not recommend keeping the AF lens for long.

For example, the Nikkor 85mm f1.8.

There are many different versions out there. the Pre-AI 85mm f1.8, AI, AI-S and AF-D, AF-S.

I've owned an AI'd, and a AIS version, as well as a AF-S and AF-D version as well.
And yes, Nikon makes it hard to distinguish between the lens.

- G lens

- VR lens

- AF-S lens

- ED lens

- IF lens

- AF-D

- AI-S

- AI

- AI'd

- Pre-AI

AF-S and AF-D are different lens, AF-S lenses are better quality and they have built in Motor for faster Autofoucs.

In the case of the 85mm f1.8, I did not notice much of a difference in image quality between the manual lens and the AF lens. The build quality was much better on the old AI lens but that is pretty much it. In terms of size, the AF-S lens is generally much bigger and bulkier.

So if you are just guy with a camera, then getting an AF-S or AF-D lens would not really be much of a difference. the AF-S can be a lot more expensive, but it is probably more durable as well.

As a camera collector, I would say the AI, AI-S lenses have pretty much the same coating as the newer lens, just perhaps they are built much tougher with a metal housing. The focusing on the old manual lens are also smoother and you can focus more accurately as well.

I do not usually shoot wildlife or sports, hence I have all the time to focus, and having an autofocus is not important. When shooting portraits, I actually prefer manual focus as I can use live view to slowly focus on the right focus point, check it again before I press the shutter release. The feel of the lens is more important than the AF speed or autofocus for that matter.

When I do street photography, I do manual focus as well. You don't need to focus fast if your aperture is at f5.6. Most things will be in focus.

Having manual lens, for a person that travels means more space in the camera bag. These lens are generally smaller. Many of them are very rugged and they cost less to clean and service.

For example, cleaning my 50mm f1.2 AIS costs about $50 but cleaning my Canon 50mm f1.2L costs $150. And for manual lens, the cost less to buy (used) and they may appreciate in price. I bought my Nikkor 85mm f1.4 for $350, and I can probably sell it for $500.

I would definitely recommend getting fast manual prime lens to shoot. They are usually cheaper (not for some lens) than the AF versions, and they hold their value well.

-- Robin Low

The Secret life of Walter Mitty Movie Review.

Before going to the movie, I've heard good and bad things about the movie. And I would say, many people judge the movie before watching it, because of the movie title or the book.

This is a Ben Stiller Movie. Not really based solely on the book written in 1939. The character is the same day dreamer, Walter Mitty taking on an adventure, however it is not the same as that Walter Mitty Story in 1939.

Movie Description.
"A day-dreamer escapes his anonymous life by disappearing into a world of fantasies filled with heroism, romance and action. When his job along with that of his co-worker are threatened, he takes action in the real world embarking on a global journey that turns into an adventure more extraordinary than anything he could have ever imagined."

This movie does not try to explain the past of Walter Mitty, although some things are inferred. And the whole movie, other than his fantastic daydream adventures, is actually quite realistic, as Walter Mitty is not just some nerd/office worker, he was a teenager who can skateboard in the past.

I like the movie, as it inspires me to do more. Many people limit themselves by looking at what Walter Mitty did, and say that this only happens in the movie, and yes, picking on little details of movie like - flying from NYC to NUUK is expensive. But flying from JFK to LHR to Iceland is relatively affordable. (www.icelandexpress.com)

But that is not the point, many people fear change, yet they make New Years Resolution to change. Many people do not like their work and get into bad situations as they fear the unknown. They may have a lot of other skills and passions, never realized as they were brought up to "get an education, get a stable job, climb up the corporate ladder."

The movie does a good job of embracing the moment, and showing the grandeur of Iceland and Greenland, which I've always wanted to visit. Focusing on this adventure, and how Walter Mitty let go his fears and just seize the moment, the movie does a great job in telling this story.

There are many voices that speak to us and motivates us, why silence them and only let the negative voices in you speak up to tell you about the dangers, and question you on everything you do? Its a great movie showing what adventure lies ahead if we only want to put some irrational fears aside and live the moment.

Again, this has got nothing to do with the book, nothing to do with the other movie about Walter Mitty. This is something else, so don't be disappointed. And Walter Mitty does not become a super hero that save the world from just a regular office guy.

Overall, I feel that the release of this movie is quite timely as it is a great motivating story to change your new year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR.

-- Robin Low

Overall: 8/10
Catch it in the Cinemas in the new year.