Recent Updates

 I know I am becoming inactive here, but I guess it's sort of inevitable as we age and priorities shift.

I don't have a new priority, I am just gradually getting drifted off from blogging here.

Well, nothing much has happened since my last update, which was a mere one month ago.

I'm moving again to a new place. I'm staying where I am right now for only a contract-stipulated minimum 7 months, and then I'm moving to live with my friends, which sound very exciting.

Instead of renting just a room, we will be renting a whole unit. So, I guess also new responsibilities, with rosters to clean the house.

It's a new place. I am reluctant to move away from the area I currently reside, but I guess a move is timely anyway since I want a change for the better.

I'm at my new company for only three months - it's been great, but it sucks to disappoint my boss who I look up greatly. But I change a job to learn, I guess that's the entire purpose - to learn. Learning my mistakes and disappointing your mentor are often the most effective though sad way to learn.

Anyway, until next time.

Insidious: The Red Door

I do not remember much about the Insidious franchise beyond the first film. The first film was very good and it found itself a permanent good spot in my memory. So when I knew a new sequel is coming, I knew I must watch it. 

Spoilers ahead.

Okay, the hypnotic thing is a little too convenient for this movie's story-telling, but let's allow that sloppy lazy plot slide for a moment. This movie is not as scary as the previous, because the focus is more on the father and son's separate but simultaneous journey in recollecting their suppressed memory of the traumatising events.

The plot was okay except the convenience I mentioned above. The setting is dark because most of the events occur at night, and it seems to me that the actors playing the father and son probably have got a bit tired portraying these characters already.

Also it's becoming increasingly unbelievable that the demon still fail to possess them after, what, the fourth try?

But otherwise, still good. Better than most scary movies out there, but the first film remains the champion.

My rating: 9/10.

p/s I watch this at night,a 9.50pm screen at Bishan. The movie ended close to midnight and I walked alone back home. Suffice to say it wasn't a pleasant walk home. 

H2, 2023

We've officially entered the second half of the year, huh?

Time flies, doesn't it?

I'm inching towards 30, and the last chapter of my 20s is closing. 

I've made a lot of progress on myself, and I regret to say I wouldn't be able to achieve everything I want to do within the remainder of the year.

But I'm proud that I've at least progressed.

Well, let's all work towards achieving a better 2023. Hopefully, my 29-year-old can end with a joyous note.

Coldplay & The Chainsmokers - Something Just Like This [Tokyo Remix]

Coldplay announces tour in Singapore and holds concert for 4 days. The queue was so massive, Coldplay decided to add one more day. It did not water down the heat, so Coldplay added a record-breaking 6th day to an already record-breaking 5 days concert in Singapore.

Meanwhile, Malaysia only celebrates Coldplay for one day. Thanks PAS.

Anyway, as much as I like Coldplay, I don't like them enough to attend their concert.

I would like the Chainsmokers to come, though. Here's one of my favourite Chainsmoker's song, which is a collaboration with Coldplay.

Pizza Hut My Box

I used to like eating it and often ordered it on Friday for dinner as a celebration for ending a busy week. It had one personal pizza of generous portion with two sides at only $8.90, which is highly affordable. I especially like the Curry Pizza with the hash browns and chicken nuggets (the chicken strip was bad, and cheesy penne was too cheesy to my liking). But now Pizza Hut changed it - it's now $9.90, with only three sides to choose from: chicken wing, chicken thighs or garlic bread. No more hash browns I like. No more nuggets, no more french fries. 

Why the hell would Pizza Hut downgrade something this nice? I can understand the price increase, but the removal of delicious sides? 

Nah. 

Florence + The Machine - Dog Days Are Over

One of the little things to know about me is that every time I hear a song, I immediately tied it to what was happening when I was listening to it for the first time.

That's why listening to songs is always an involuntary habit of reminiscence.

Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol 3

 Guardians of the Galaxy (GOTG) was the first Marvel movie I watched, even though back then I didn't really enjoy Marvel movies, but I remember vividly it was a fun movie. I watched it in 2014, in theatre, in GSC CityOne Megamall, Kuching, when I was studying in Swinburne. GOTG thus becomes the first Marvel movie that truly etches into me, hence I was very excited for the third movie. I wasn't happy about what happened to James Gunn and how Disney handled the situation, but after a series of convoluted events, James Gunn came back to close this chapter, and hence I must give it a witness I know the movie would fabulously deliver.

James Gunn does not disappoint.

This is a movie full of emotions - of anger, of sadness, of joy, of tears. The villain is very simplistic. The High Evolutionary isn't some aliens or celestial, but just a human who's probably genetically enhanced but still yards from Captain America's durability. But James Gunn manages to picture him as someone so scary despite his simplicity. That's the power of James Gunn.

The ending of the movie is gut-wrenching. I know the characters finally get what they truly deserve, but somehow, after 10 years, watching them disband is very heartbreaking. Gamora and Quill will not get together because this is a different Gamora. Nebula has finally found her happiness. It's sad also that Mantis and Drax separate. Dog Days are over is an awesome song by the way.

But good things must come to an end, to ensure they don't outlive their welcome.

My rating: 10/10. Marvel would continue to soar if this quality persists.