September 26, 2014
September 15, 2014
Lost Stars
Good music, a singing-Keira Knightley, and some Adam Levine. What's not to love?
Begin Again (2013)
A film by John Carney
An unlikely friendship develops between struggling music producer, Steve (Mark Ruffalo) and brokenhearted songwriter, Greta (Keira Knightley), as they collaborate to create new music.
Begin Again possesses the charm of an equally interesting narrative and musical score. Carney (Once) has once again, presented his refreshing take on musical romance. Although nothing exceptionally bizarre has been showcased in the film, its rejection of the genre's triteness makes Begin Again definitely engaging and entertaining. The beginning of the narrative takes quite a slow-pace, but it somehow helped the film to further express its authenticity. I like how it simultaneously shows rawness and classic feel-good moments. Likewise, the vocals provided by my ever favorite actress, Keira Knightley was a perfect match for the film's stimulating music, adding a different but more comforting atmosphere. Aside from the evidently natural chemistry of Knightley and Mark Ruffalo, Maroon V's front man, Adam Levine surprisingly made his role worth his mediocre acting. Overall, it is genuinely satisfying.
Begin Again (2013)
A film by John Carney
An unlikely friendship develops between struggling music producer, Steve (Mark Ruffalo) and brokenhearted songwriter, Greta (Keira Knightley), as they collaborate to create new music.
Begin Again possesses the charm of an equally interesting narrative and musical score. Carney (Once) has once again, presented his refreshing take on musical romance. Although nothing exceptionally bizarre has been showcased in the film, its rejection of the genre's triteness makes Begin Again definitely engaging and entertaining. The beginning of the narrative takes quite a slow-pace, but it somehow helped the film to further express its authenticity. I like how it simultaneously shows rawness and classic feel-good moments. Likewise, the vocals provided by my ever favorite actress, Keira Knightley was a perfect match for the film's stimulating music, adding a different but more comforting atmosphere. Aside from the evidently natural chemistry of Knightley and Mark Ruffalo, Maroon V's front man, Adam Levine surprisingly made his role worth his mediocre acting. Overall, it is genuinely satisfying.
September 10, 2014
Remembering The World's Best Boss
I may be a year late for this, but I think The Office (US) last season's finale could not have been any better.
The Office (2005-2013)
Adapted (from the BBC series, The Office) by Greg Daniels
The Office is a television comedy mockumentary series on a group of employees at a fictional small paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Dundler Mifflin.
The Office was originally a television sitcom in United Kingdom but was later adapted for American audiences by Greg Daniels (and had actually been remade in different versions and languages). Also, fun fact, among its (US version) executive producers was Ricky Gervais — creator, writer, director, and main character of the UK version of The Office.
It sure had a pretty good run. With its unique way (fictional documentary) of presenting story, it was not hard to develop fondness for The Office. The narrative was creative, smart, and hilarious. The Office was proof that the seemingly boring life at the office may not be as boring as it appears. But then again, the well-written characters definitely played a great part in achieving that. *SPOILER ALERT* And for over nine years, despite refusing to continue watching the series after Michael Scott's (Steve Carell) departure in season seven, The Office bid its audience farewell in the most satisfying way possible. Though there were really some inconsistencies in the last few seasons, I would have to say they (seasons eight and nine) were still not as cringe worthy as I thought they would be. Naturally, the viewers had hopes for more this and that, but personally I would not have the ending any other way (as well as its million viewers, as it ranked as the season's highest rated episode, and among the series' highest-rated episodes). Aside from the occasional breaking of the fourth wall, the conclusion felt more realistic than ever -- it was truly enough to reminisce the best and emotional moments of The Office in the past, the characters' backgrounds in the present, and a glimpse of their untold stories yet in the future. In addition, Carell, once again, sharing a scene with Jim (John Krasinski) and Dwight (Rainn Wilson) still gave me a moment of stun (despite knowing it).
Saying goodbye to a favorite show has never been this hard, but unlike how How I Met Your Mother corrupted us of a good television series, The Office has provided a justified conclusion that made the parting somehow feels right. I just deeply admire the creators and the actors behind this clever show for another timeless piece.
(photo is not mine; credits to owner)
The Office (2005-2013)
Adapted (from the BBC series, The Office) by Greg Daniels
The Office is a television comedy mockumentary series on a group of employees at a fictional small paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Dundler Mifflin.
The Office was originally a television sitcom in United Kingdom but was later adapted for American audiences by Greg Daniels (and had actually been remade in different versions and languages). Also, fun fact, among its (US version) executive producers was Ricky Gervais — creator, writer, director, and main character of the UK version of The Office.
It sure had a pretty good run. With its unique way (fictional documentary) of presenting story, it was not hard to develop fondness for The Office. The narrative was creative, smart, and hilarious. The Office was proof that the seemingly boring life at the office may not be as boring as it appears. But then again, the well-written characters definitely played a great part in achieving that. *SPOILER ALERT* And for over nine years, despite refusing to continue watching the series after Michael Scott's (Steve Carell) departure in season seven, The Office bid its audience farewell in the most satisfying way possible. Though there were really some inconsistencies in the last few seasons, I would have to say they (seasons eight and nine) were still not as cringe worthy as I thought they would be. Naturally, the viewers had hopes for more this and that, but personally I would not have the ending any other way (as well as its million viewers, as it ranked as the season's highest rated episode, and among the series' highest-rated episodes). Aside from the occasional breaking of the fourth wall, the conclusion felt more realistic than ever -- it was truly enough to reminisce the best and emotional moments of The Office in the past, the characters' backgrounds in the present, and a glimpse of their untold stories yet in the future. In addition, Carell, once again, sharing a scene with Jim (John Krasinski) and Dwight (Rainn Wilson) still gave me a moment of stun (despite knowing it).
Saying goodbye to a favorite show has never been this hard, but unlike how How I Met Your Mother corrupted us of a good television series, The Office has provided a justified conclusion that made the parting somehow feels right. I just deeply admire the creators and the actors behind this clever show for another timeless piece.
(photo is not mine; credits to owner)
September 5, 2014
Let's Get Social
Given that social networking technology has positive (improves communication and information dissemination among people, and enhances productivity in various sectors in society) and negative effects like all things; it is undeniable in these modern times that it has served its purpose of entertaining people. And with no exception, (I think) YouTube did a great job on that. Though it is mostly considered a social media site, it somehow still falls on the category of social networking sites due to its video-sharing features. Anyhow, yes, definitely entertaining. Of course, excluding its usage of coercion to make people watch those incredibly annoying ads (abominable is the word I'm looking for). So without further ado, here are some channels I find interesting (PS: not included in this list are musicians, television shows' channels and the like because 'too many to mention'):
1) COMMUNITY CHANNEL
Community Channel is handled by the talented and lovely Ms. Natalie Tran, an Australian vlogger, actress, and comedienne. All her videos are mostly about the things you think of little importance or simply the answers to most of normal people's questions -- conveyed in an entertaining, clever way. Basically, it's like people of Tumblr put together in a three-minute video. Or you know, simply the channel of the community. It's brilliant and I love it like I love Louis C.K..
2) ANNA AKANA
Anna Akana is an actress and filmmaker. Her vlog shares her personal adventures, some tips on life's occasional struggles, and of course her (short) films.
3) WONG FU PRODUCTIONS
Ran by the amazing Trio, artists and filmmakers, Wes, Ted, and Phil; Wong Fu Productions creates short films, music videos and vlogs from all genres. Its their short films that really made me love them though. The stories they tell are really worth watching.
4) COLLEGE HUMOR
Videos from comedy website College Humor. Everything, anything under the sun. HILARIOUS.
5) FILM COW
Film Cow is your source of brutally funny, beautiful animations.
6) VSAUCE
Just mind blowing facts, man. Mind-blowing.
(all videos are from youtube, credits to their respective owners)
photo: phones in 2012 // Sony A300 (c)