Just Back From CGO '07. Tired.

Wow, wat a day. Went to the Computer Graphic Overdrive 07 (GCO' 07) in morning and just got back. Have lots of pics to upload and things to say. Still, i need to go there again tomorrow since i have missed something.. hehe. So wait till around tomorrow or so and i'll update you on the event. :)

Edited:Next post will be very picture heavy- the largest i have ever post ;)

Fantastic Four: Rise Of The Silver Surfer

Just came back from watching this family friendly superhero movie and well, it just entertain enough with some interesting plot and action. So, the first superhero family are back to the big screen and this time they brought along another superhero to share their screen time- the ultra cool Silver Surfer.
The story began in the mist of the wedding of the century- the fantastic couple Reed Richards aka Mr Fantastic and Susan Storm aka Invisible Woman. But the family affair is soon interrupted by a cosmic anomaly that soon escalated into something more grim. And in between they have to deal with the bossy government military and their old nemesis, Victor Von Doom aka Dr Doom at the same time. Story wise, it alot lighter than most of recent superhero movie out there (Spider-Man, Batman Returns etc) and about the same level of kid friendly as the other superhero family- The Incredibles. Anyway the plots keeps you interesting enough to ignore the rather predictable storyline. But considering its target audience, it's understandable.
Compare to their first movie, this one seems to offer a lot more. Action, location, characters and visual effects which not a bad thing at all. The action takes you from New York to German and to China. Super powers flying around with lots of explosive destruction for the action fans and some comedy moments to laugh at. Though it's strange that the movie did an anime like fan-service at one scene. Go figure. There's enough eye candies to go by in the movie like postergirl Jessica Alba in tights and the six-pack hunk Silver Surfer who to me like a visualy upgraded metalic T-1000 (Terminator 2 anyone?)
While it pales to the likes of Spider-Man3 and Pirates of Carribean, Fantastic Four 2 do holds its ground as an enjoyable fun family or friends outing. And for those who rather spent money on the other up-coming good vs evil visual effect loaded movie (hint hint), there's always the special edition DVD release.

Pixar's New 2008 Animation Movie

I having a really free morning- woke up very early as alwalys, so surf around the net for anything interesting that i may "waste" time on when i chance upon this.
So Pixar got another movie coming up after the soon-to-be-release Ratatouille (which i dun expect too much) for summer 2008.

This movie will be directed by Andrew Stanton, who directed my all time fav Pixar movie-Finding Nemo, along with the minds who created Toy Story, Bug's Life and Monster Inc. Anyway, the story is about a robot, Wall-E which was created as a rubbish collecting bot, and thus had work as one for 700 years on Earth. Pretty soon Wall-E finds his destiny actually lies above the stars and beyond.

Yeah, the story seems straight forward enough and the robot's design is rather painfully simple. Hopes he gets a make-over during the production. lol Btw love the teaser :)

Looking forward to this movie next year.

A Ragnarok Online Romance: Redux

As you all know, i was a long time player of Ragnarok Online and maybe still is, if i able to afford to pay for it. And since i still not on a payroll, i guess i better stop and start looking forward to the next new thing. And by the time i can afford the p2p fee, RO might be nearing its end. Well, the legendary game is at its twilight age and by now its successor Ragnarok Online 2, is already at its open beta stage.

Like everyone one else (or rather those who are not playing WOW), i'm looking forward to this game. And boy, does this game look good. Cutey anime style in glorious 3D with high character customizing. That what i like most in a game :)

And speaking bout character, i found a video clip that highlights the social aspect of the game, instead the gameplay. With 3D capability, your avatars can express themselves through the faces and body language instend of the usual emotion bubbles floating above one's head. Kissing now even make the players behind their avatars blush for actually doing it *grin* Btw the story is easy enough to understand even with the korean only text. Enjoy.

11 Days Later

I've been on Singapore soil for more than a week now and i've settle down pretty much. And things seem to be getting better :)

I been doing some traveling late due to my job interview tasks that take me around the country. Well, mostly. I've travel to places like Bugis, Tanjung Pagar and Changi. What can i say, public the transport system here is really efficient, well much more that my home country.

I've also check out the vicinity around my current house, and found out some nice place to hang out in. Some shopping mall, cineplexes, food center and even a place i can borrow and buy some manga related stuffs. Too bad i havent spot any cyber cafe around here. Maybe the market for one is not quite good.

Now i really wish to buy a camera, there are places that make a great postcard or at least to post some nice ones here. Well, maybe i will borrow my cousin one :) Feeling like a tourist already :P

Anyway, kinda miss my place in PJ too, my own PC especially. I can do alots of artworks if i have my own PC with me here. Sigh~ wanna do some digital art. Cant really do it here, not really convenient to download every thing i want in my cousin's PC. Hope i got mine soon. But not likely, i think.

Jobwise, i've only been to 2 interviews. Haha, i know. It's kinda little. But then again, most of the job have requirements that i cant meet with. Like Adobe Indesign or 3D Studio Max, i not really familiar with them. I rather find a job i have confident to work with. Hope i'll land on to one ASAP.

Well, i be going back hometown in Johor, one, to renew my staying duration in Singapore and second, to refresh myself at the comfort of my own place. And to pack more clothes too.

The Interview

I went for my 1st job interview yesterday and it seems doesnt went as well as i thought it would be. Kinda nervous during the process and the different approach of the interview took me off guard. Sigh~

For my 1st interview in the Lion City, i have to travel to Tanjung Pagar, an southern part of the island. Good thing about Singapore is its public transport which pretty much covers the whole country and quite hassle free too. I able to arrive at the tanjung pagar station without much trouble.

Anyway the trouble starts here. There i was having much difficulty finding the street where the shop (if hired, i will be working as a graphic artist) situated. I was lost in a seemly vast city and quite overwhelmed by the busy seas of people. Heck, even KL is not as hectic as here. I was standing there figuring where the heck am i while looking at the map book i brought which proved quite useless. I pretty much going around in circles for about half an hour. Guess it better to ask for direction. Ask and be enlighten.

Thanks to an uncle i finally get my bearings right. Seems i overlook a seemly small street just ahead from where i started *sweats*. Lo and behold, Amoy Street. What interesting a bout this street is that there's a really big food center in the middle and by the time i was there, it was lunchtime. Can i say horde of white collar workers. And another thing is, it seems the place is one of the tourist attractions in Singapore. There is an old temple, a hill park and old shophouses with a modern day twist. Hope i will show what it really looks like with some pics soon.

After lunch (still early), i went for my interview. First thing it caught my eyes, is its window displays. The shop is specialize in printing which is mostly name cards. I look at the displayed design and thought there nothing that i cant handle here. Confidence blooming, i walked into the shop. After some time the interviewer showed up and just tossed some forms for me to fill. As i look around, i seems quite "alienated" Just say i'm not comfortable around office full of dolled up women. And it doesnt help the situation when i suddenly have a stomachache. Finished and handed over the form, the lady interviewer ask me to perform a simple test which is redesign a simple namecard from a sample. Okey, looks simple but with my stomachache in full gear i have to ask for a toilet break from the interviewer beside me.

How embarassing, i thought. I looks stupid too. Anyway with a reminded time limit, i trying best redesigning the card without much concept in mind. Duh, it's been some time since i used Illustrator CS, need time to relearn somewhat. The interviewer just took just short look at the monitor and inform me they will call me if i am hired. Guess it's over. I offered my portfolio cd to her to look but she declined.. not very sure why. Anyway i can only pray i'll get the job. I sure i did the test quite well. I think.. Need to remind myself not eat anything spicy again.

Shackled

It been a few days i've stayed at Singapore.. few days too long. I kinda felt a bit restricted in some sense. No late nights, no friends, no privacy, no place to go to, no money, no job... sigh~ I dun even have enough clothes to wear... cant bring all my clothes in the first place. And so hot in here... i never sweat this often in life, swear.

Not that i feel ungrateful, i do really since i have a roof over my head now. But i dun think i can follow their house rule for long... i cant function like this. No.. i not pampered, just frustated i can't live my way that i used to, alone (by choice) and free. I can live in hardship, hey.. i've been living quite independently outside for almost 7 years without any trouble (non money wise).

Another thing is i hate to be treated like a know-nothing kid, always being told what to do over and over again. I know, the elders always like to nag cos' they care. That why i kept quiet and just nod. But for crying out loud, i gonna turn 26 this year and have 25 years worth of common sense plus the exprience of living independantly of 7 years. I can fricking take care of myself without anyone nagging to me about that...

Well, guess i have no choice but to be patience till at least i have a stable job. Then i gonna get out of here. Hope they understand. I value my privacy and freedom more. *grin* Until that day, i need to research more on what to take to live here (how much price needed).

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum.
So another trilogy ended this summer... and what an ending. Depending on people, it can be a good one or a bad one but most likely it will be bitter sweet.

The movie begin straight after the cliffhanger ending of The Dead Man's Chest, where Will Turner, Elizabeth and Captain Barbossa and crew in Singapore to get a puzzle map from the Chinese pirate lord, Captain Sao Feng. In doing so, they will able to find and resurrect/rescue Captain Jack Sparrow who end up trapped in Davy Jones's Locker. At at the meantime, time is running up for the pirates all over the world as The Flying Dutchman and Davy Jones, under the control of the East India Trading Company, eradicating pirates or anyone who related here and there.

The movie upped the ante in the visual department this time with lavish sets, mind boggling special effect and great camera shots with action aplenty. No movie yet can compare the great variety of sword fight scenes, auto fast cannon naval battle, shrapels and bullets flying around and a swarming of stone crabs (huh?). An throw in a whirlpool in the middle. Get the idea?

Story wise, it seems a little pale in comparison to its previous movie. Sure, there's a lot of twist and turn and twist again but at times the plot is a little too complicated for the viewer to catch and enjoy. Anyway, it fun to see everybody stab each other's back at every turn while maintaining their side to each other.. We get to see some love triangle of sorts between Jack, Turner and Elizabeth while fighting the EITC cronies.

Still, some action sequences are a bit too ridiculous at the end (monkey fired with a cannonball, anyone?) And the other pirate lords' armada is just for show and helpless in the climax. Weaklings...

Anyway, the movie is worth every cent of the admission price where ever you watch it (I watch it in Singapore ) Hey, it one of the great summer blockbuster after all. And watching Jack interacting with his multi-personality self even worth a second watch :)

Hey June....... From Singapore

Welcome to Singapore, as quoted by Chow Yuen Fatt's character in the newest Pirates of The Caribbean movie (not that i watch it anyway), when i walked past the custom checkpoint in Woodlands before boarding the bus to the Kranji MRT station.

I was following my aunt from her home in JB and will be staying with my relative's at the much heard Ang Mo Kio in the heart of the city state. First thing that came to mind when lugged my luggage up the crossover was the street was not as clean as i thought. Well, from where i stand then i saw cigarette butts and a bit of plastic everywhere.... far from the notorious cleanliness image that the country trying to project.

As the my handphone's DiGi roaming service kicked in moments ago, i phoned home telling my mum that i safely arrived at my relative's home. So i will be staying the 1 of the flats quite indefinitely from now.

Lunchtime and my relatives show me around the community. There are park and a lots of greenery around the flats and commercial area nearby (food center and rows of shoplots). Much to my hidden delight, i noticed McDonald’s just at a end of one corner *sniggers*

Best of all, i have free access to my cousin's pc and the fast internet service, yeah. Well, i haven't forget my priority of finding a job here and the net made my job easier. But then, my uncle in law told me to settle down first before doing anything else (much of my 1 hour+ conversation with him revolving how good singapore is, lol). Well, i think i've slow down too much....

Anyway, there a lot of things i still ignorant about Singapore policy and stuffs and i have to settle down fast. Wish me luck and good bye Malaysia.

Starcraft 2

I was browsing my fave gaming site when i saw one of its newest gaming news when i saw it.

Hell. It's About Time. http://www.starcraft2.com/

Pause For A Moment

It's been a week staying and resting in hometown, almost doing nothing productive.. sigh~
Yeah, my passport has done a few days ago. Still, there a lot of things i in the dark about. Not very sure what job will my mum's friend's son recommend about. All i know is that it is animation related job.

Anyway, there's nothing for me to do in the house except to just wait. Really wish i can bring my pc with me. At least i can add something more in my current portfolio. It was so bored doing nothing at home for the past week. *groan*

I wonder if i'm good enough for Singapore's standard. Not very confident about the whole thing. It's a 1st world country after all. Gonna feel like fish out of water.. lol

Moving To Greener Pasture.... Maybe.

After so many attempts getting a job around the Klang Valley, i think is time for me to try my luck somewhere else. I'm think move back to Johor and start to find a job in Singapore.
Haha, you know, my mom been pestering me with the idea on getting Singapore dollars and better chance over there, an idea which i always turned down.

I always make, " If i cant find a job here, what makes i can get one there?" excuses. Guess I got tired. Anyway i still lingering about it, havent decide when i will depart for good.

Will miss everything here.

Spider-Man 3 Review

"How the movie?" I asked my bro?

"Okay, i guess. But, Spider-man 2 was better..."

"Oh?"

"Watching Fantastic Four (the 1st movie) was better too", he said.

I shrugged.
Well, the thing with Spider-man movies are that they ain't like all those super heroes action movies we accustomed to in recent years. Spider-man's stories are not about the superhero fighting evil but the fragile human inside the superhero trying to make sense of things. Thus they are about as drama as they can get. And I know my bro doesnt like to watch "slow-paced boring" drama genre movies without much things get blown up every 5 minutes. Heck.

Anyway, I got a chance to watch Spider-man 3 yesterday.. while i was job hunting in KLCC lol. Yeah, as a fan i shud have watch it a week ago while it was just opened. And i bet there are thousands of reviews out there by now. Better late than never.

And in this 3rd installment, we see goody-o-nerd Peter Parker embracing the dark side and hell, it good to be bad. Also, the new Green Goblin took to the sky along with the introduction of the Sandman. And after much speculation on the web about spidey new black suit and its related villain, while the most recent trailer confirmed it, we finally have Venom (imo one of the coolest Marvel characters) in the flesh. Boy, do the trio really wreak Spidey's life.

Okay, now the review.
*Spoilers Alert*
The movie opens with a brilliant summary or snapshots of the last two movies and Peter is at the top of his life. Spidey is loved by New Yorkers, Mary Jane now is his girlfriend and he's a top student at Dr Conners' class. And for a moment, life is good. But all good things will come to an end.

As the fame and power goes into Parker's head, he began to lose sight of what really matters. What worst, an alien stuff (slime?), which suddenly dropped into earth as a meteorite, hitched into Parker and altered his personality. Btw, it really funny to see, being shamelessly bad actually attracted women's attention. Check out Parker bad-ass dance moves in a Jazz club. lol.

The movie revolves around a lots of themes but one truly stand out is forgiveness. Parker's hell bent on Uncle Ben's revenge as in Harry and his father's, only to be forgiven in the end. At times, I find things resolved too quickly, especially Sandman's about-turn after wreaking havoc and trying to hurt or kill MJ. And using his sick daugther as an excuse for pillaging the city. Anyway, it does fits in the movie that shows there's good side in a bad guy and vice versa. So is Venom, comic version that is.

Speaking of Venom, the movie version is one vile monster, more like Carnage imo. Btw, i thought Venom should be a lot bulkier and more teeth. And they ought to find a better voice over for Venom. Then again, a great effort bringing Venom to life, so is the Sandman who have more screen time (aih..).

Action-wise, they managed to cram an awful lot of action scenes in the rather lenghty movie. From Spidey and Goblin dogfight to the climatic tagteam battle between Venom/Sandman and Spider/Harry. Cool action sequences i tell ya'. Check out the towering Sandman (reminds me of the Mummy) and falling car sequence (Jurassic Park, anyone?).

So, was it worth the money? Every hard-earned cents. It's one of the movies only worth watching in a full glory of cinematic greatness. With all the drama and the action in one movie, it obviously better than the last Spider-man movie. And Jonah J. Jamesons' scenes is always a delight to watch. 'Nuff said.

Blogthings of The Month

You Are 40% Left Brained, 60% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning. Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others. If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic. Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet. The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility. Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way. If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art. Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

Are You Right or Left Brained?

The True You

You want your girlfriend or boyfriend to be more relaxed, calm, and composed. With respect to money, you spend as little as possible. You think good luck doesn't exist - reality is built on practicalities. The hidden side of your personality tends to be methodical in your ways - with trouble adapting to the rules of society. You are tend to think about others' feelings a lot, perhaps because you are so eager to be liked. When it comes to finding a romantic partner, you don't have any particular type in mind, but you are inclined to look for someone who will say yes when you ask him / her out.

Who's The True You?

Your Love Style is Agape

You are a caring, kind, and selfless partner. Unsurprisingly, your love style is the most rare. You are willing to sacrfice your world for your sweetie. Except it doesn't really feel like sacrifice to you. For you, nothing feels better than giving to the one you love.

What's Your Love Style?

Naruto Movie 3 Review

The Animal Riot of Crescent Moon Island!(Dai Koufun! Mikazuki Jima no Animal Panic Dattebayo!)
It's finally here. My bro managed to get a copy from his streamyx-owning friend the other day and so i able to watch it recently.

This synopsis goes like this:
Uzumaki Naruto, Hatake Kakashi, Haruno Sakura, and Rock Lee are sent to protect a prince during his trip around the world and see that he returns safely to his home in the Moon Country. The Moon Country happens to be really rich and as such the Prince tends to buy anything his heart desires. During his travels the Prince comes across a circus group that features a rare Sabre-toothed tiger that he just has to have, so he purchases the entire group. Suddenly a mission to protect the prince that hardly listens to anything said, turns into a mission to look after animals and a prince that doesn't listen to what they say, and in the end somehow get them all back safely to their home country. All the while there are three mysterious Ninja wielding some frightening jutsu waiting for them.

Two words to describe this- DAMN DISAPPOINTING !!

*Spoilers Alert*
Okay, while the animation and the graphics are top notch, the same cant be said to the storyline and the action scene. In fact it's almost a kiddy fare.

The story starts slowly, only picking up pace halfway into the story. And the real action begins here when the three ninjas show up, hired by the evil minister who wishes to overthrow the kingdom. Well, some action.

Compare to the amazing opening scene of the previous movie (Naruto the Movie 2: The Illusionary Ruins at the Depths of the Earth) this one totally lack the impact and the exotic moves, that totally went as expected ( Naruto went nine-tail berserk and saves everyone). Even the climax sucks (Full powered Kage-Bunshin just to act as a cushion to a falling over-weight prince , a brat and a tiger) and a lame excuse and totally uncool way to use the rasengan as a finisher.

Also it's sad to see Rock Lee so underused here that his presence is almost neglectable. Even his fighting scene (which the best of all in this movie) was rather simple and brief. I really wish he could use Gai-sensei's ultimate move- Morning Peacock, instead a pair of nuchuck.

And what with the wigs the three evil ninjas are wearing. Make them looks like some members of Jiraiya- sama fan club. *sweats* And you really wishes their jutsu is more that. All too familiar. And the leader is such a weaking.

As for the plot, it lacks the depth of the previous movie.. far too simplistic and dull for todays "shonen" to watch. Even kiddy fare like the latest pokemon movie (Lucario and The Legend of Mew) has better plot than this. What a waste.
*Spoilers Ends*

So basically this movie only for rabid naruto fans only. Watch at your own risk. For other, better stick to the weekly manga.

May This Month Brings New Fortune

So it's already May.
Sigh~ i now at my wit's end already. I been going around hoping to land myself on a decent paying job. Anyway hope i dont have to wait too long for employment. My optimistic is nearing its limit. So is my brother constant nagging. Not that i choose to be jobless *cries*

Monday Blues

So the magazine doesnt publish the result.
What i talking about? Well, it's bout the Spiderman character design competition. Seems like the 1st May edition of Gempak doesnt publish any result at all.. sigh~ Maybe i really must wait till 1st of May. I must have misread it last time*sweats* Oh, the edition released earlier than i thought. Got it at a nearby mag stand this morning.

About the other coming competition, i changed my mind and aims to enter the illustration category instead the comic one. I've better chances in that *grin* Still, i've a hard time drawing too. Not sure what to draw. The illustration must have a concept from any Gempak character in it. And thats a lot to choose from.... Anyway i still have 1 month more to go. Gambate ne~

Not in the best of mood today, getting the blues from cooping in the house all day and staring blanking on a piece of paper. So, here i am :P

DiGi Girl: I Will Follow You

I really like those DiGi ad on TV these days. Simple, creative and funny - the way an ad should be. Especially those yellow suit guys. Nice character by the way. "lol"
Obviously, i myself is a DiGi subscriber and been one for 5 year or so. As a tribute, i made this simple original artwork. For those yellow guys, let me present you the DiGi girl :)

Follow up yo.

Two Weeks More

Sigh~ 2 weeks more and thats the end of April. Given my current situation, i not sure i can survive another month without a job.


Gaaargh!!


Anyway, i still lookin forward to May cos the result of my Spiderman character design will be publish in Gempak 1st of May edition. By the way here's my design.

I called him- Spiderman Ghost. The custom he's wearing is a bio armour capable of camouflage and producing bio-electric webbing (rather familiar with some other char :P).

Too bad i didnt colour it but i afraid i might ruin it. Hope for the best :)

Fooling Around April

On contrary to the title above, i not fooling around. Instead it's God who play a monkey out of me. 4th month aready and i still unemployed. Really not sure wat went wrong.

For past weeks, i been attending a few job interviews, all seems promosing. Alas, till now i havent get any answer from any of them. Damn disappointing >_<

As for my comic competition, not much in progress. I find it hard to draw anything right now. Hopefully i able to make in on 30th June deadline. Sigh~

Guess i better pen off now. Not sure wat to write anymore. The pc i'm using now was choke full of viruses. Better log off lest it even infect my pendrive >.<