couch potato marathon

Our Chinese New Year weekend was celebrated with marathons. Not, the physical marathon (running and panting) but the couch potato marathon. Hubby and I watched the latest episode of CSI NY & Vegas and the soon to be off the tube, The O.C. and 4 movies. All done in the comfort of our bedroom with AJ rolling, crawling, standing, babbling, playing, etc. in our bed and his play mat.

So what movies did we watch?

The Pursuit to HappynessWhen I saw the trailer months back, I thought, seems like a nice feel good movie..drama to be exact. But unfortunately, I didn't shed a tear.. not even teary eyed. The movie just didn't struck any emotions for me. Another reason I want to see this movie was because Will Smith was nominated for Best Actor in this year's Oscars. But I don't think running around San Francisco with a bone scanner in tote could win him the award. Pardon to all Smith fans out there... I didn't see him at his best (performance) in this film. The film is about survival, family and a man's pursuit to happyness (which should be spelled with an i not a y but you'll know why its spelled like that if you watch it).

Thomas Jefferson's US Declaration of Independence was quoted in the film, "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." Why was it written as pursuit of Happiness and not just Happiness period? Was it because they knew that only Life and Liberty can be achieve while happiness can never be ours thus we can only pursuit happiness? This film clearly gave an example of how a man pursuits happiness and got it in the end.

Blood Diamond

When I heard that Leo DiCarpio was nominated for this year's Oscar, I was hoping it was for The Departed. I love his acting there (as well as Mark Wahlberg's). But when I learned that it was for this film, I wanted to watch it and see for myself if he indeed gave a deserving Oscar performance. My colleague, Kim also told me that it was a good movie. And I totally agree, its a good film and Leo is very good, at his best I guess (just like in the Departed). The accent was weird but I guess you should be a good actor to pull off an accent that's not native to you. Djimon Hounsou was equally good in this movie and deserves to be recognized (an Oscar for Supporting Actor is a good idea..hehe!) I have only good things to say to the Demi Moore look-a-like, Jennifer Connelly. Reporters should all be like her, beautiful under pressure. The film show cased who suffer the most in time of a civil war. The children. The sight of a boy holding a rifle and training him to kill is an injustice to mankind. And how many people are killed and abused for a blood diamond.
After watching this, it made me think, if my engagement ring was a conflict diamond. Hope NOT!

Step Up

When I was a kid, I used to love and enjoy dancing, yes, even in front of an audience. I was dancing I was like flying as my mom would say. And I get the steps easily. At that time, I didn't know what kind of dance I was into, later did I realized that it was Jazz. Twists and turns and legs kicking and flying all around. No, I didn't have formal training. I guess that's why it came and gone away. Watching Step Up, brings back memories of being free, confident and proud. I really enjoyed watching this movie. Aside for the romance that evolved between the lead characters, Tyler and Nora, I also enjoyed the music that they played, the dance rehearsals and the final showcase. It's another feel good movie that I'm glad I saw. An inspirational film to reach for what you want and that we can be better than who we are right now. All we need is just a chance to prove that we can step up to a life far larger than we can ever imagined.

As a parent, I can only imagine the fulfillment once I have nourished my child's talent. I'm looking forward to what ever AJ's interests will be and I'd do my best to give my support and find ways and means to nourish them.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

I know, this has been released 4 years ago, but we never came around to seeing the first installment of this mega hit movie until this weekend. We saw the POTC: Dead Man's Chest in the theater last year though. I only have 3 words for this film, DEPP is HOT! Even if he looks like he has not taken a bath for ages and has not changed his clothes... he still has the clearest and smoothest face in the film. I do love Orlando Bloom in LOTR but in this movie.. he is just simply Will Turner, off to face danger to save the love of his life. Yes! Sweet and Romantic. As scary as those ghosts aboard the Black Pearl, Keira Knightley's beautiful face is a refreshing sight. I just love those 17th century costumes, women look so regal.. well except that corset Knightly wore where she can breath no more.
Looking forward to this year's Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End

pictures courtesy of imdb.com