[Movie Review] Total Recall (2012)

by Daniel Chiam

5/10 Totally Okay to Watch

Since I can't totally recall the original one, my review will be solely base on the movie itself without comparing it to the original 'Total Recall' back in 1990. Yes, this movie is a remake (just in case you didn't know that).

The story line was fairly written and not much weight to it other than the identity crisis of the protagonist; that itself was brilliantly executed in the movie, but that brilliant-ness doesn't last long. I felt that the political agenda was not being emphasis much and it sort of weaken the whole movie and the importance of the protagonist.

Kate Beckinsale's outstanding performance as the villain clearly overshadowed Colin Farrell's role as the protagonist. I was anticipating to see more kick ass actions from Kate throughout the whole movie than wanting to know how Colin are going to survive till the end. Kate is really that good and she's HOT!

Kate Beckinsale as Lori Quaid in Total Recall 2012

Overall, it's a none stop actions movie with some great chase scenes and one particularly great psychological intense moment. Totally enjoyable to watch but with not much to recall in the end. Could have been a great movie if only the significance of the agenda are being well laid out throughout the movie. 

Thanks to Sony Pictures and Nuffnang for the invite.

"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

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What Is "Chic"?

by Max Law from MaxMayo.com

"Chic" – not the word "Chick" or a word in any way related to girls or young women – is an important fashion element that influences a person's appearance and personal style.

Black, Simple and Chic

In Malaysia, you may be more familiar with terms like Street Style, Punk, Lala / Ah-Beng-style, Gothic, Preppy, Casual, Trendy etc when describing a person's style, but hardly the word "chic". We're never really know about "chic", as it's not a Malaysian value in our local culture.

"Chic" is a word borrowed from French, which means Elegant, Stylish & Fashionable (from the Dictionary). Being chic is different from being trendy, as being chic simply focuses on what suits you and flatters you, rather than wearing the most popular style out there today. French people are experts in being chic and that explains why "Parisian Chic" is so well-received among the fashionista and Francophiles.

"Parisian Chich" by Ines de la Fressange

While people may interpret "what is chic" differently, but here's a list of the common traits displayed by chic styles according from my point of view:

1. Always look dressed-up (even a little)

Being chic means you look elegant & stylish, even when you just rolled out of bed and rushing to work, or when you're just dropping by the nearby kopitiam. You can be cincai (sloppy), but don't overly cincai. At least shows up in a nice t-shirt & styled hair.

2. Simple & Subtle

They are always simple in overall coordination and subtle in colors. Maybe a black pants and a white shirt, and a pop of color, but never complicated. It's about quality, not quantity.

Most of the times, you can always spots staples like basic white shirt, dark blue jeans, navy blazer, nautical stripes etc repeating.

Accessories are good to have but keep it to minimal, or just wear 1 or 2 pieces of bold accessories. For men, you may consider investing in at least a signature timepiece.

3. Well-fitted

Fitting is important, and ill-fitted attire make you looks sluggish. Size matters.

Just like other types of skill or art, being chic requires learning (as what I've been doing) it is an art that you can practice regardless of your location and settings. When you can be effortlessly chic, you've certainly mastered one of the most valued skill in the fashion & life.

I hope you enjoyed this post and have a chic day. Share your thoughts here! :)

Photos sources: Pinterest and YesStyle

Checkout Max at MaxMayo.com and follow him on twitter @maxmayo for more updates and fashion tips!

"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

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The Blessed Month of Ramadan

by Aemy Nadira 

Finally, it's here; the blessed month of Ramadan! As a time to purify the soul, Ramadan is so much bigger than just the absence of food and drink throughout the day. It's time to make peace with people, strengthen bonds with family and friends, and break the bad habits. Muslims are excited and already setting goals for their Ramadan this year.  

However, to reach the goals of fasting, we go through some difficulties in Ramadan. We may have the same challenge on a normal days, but in Ramadan, those challenges are taken up a notch or two. Glancing at the clock becomes the typical thing to do all day during Ramadan. It doesn't only teach us to have enough willpower to turned away from temptations, but also teaches us how to manage our time wisely. It would be a waste of time if we spend the whole day sleeping in without getting the benefits of fasting.

There are many ways to prevent from the void of fasting. Try to take some time out for a little walk instead of lazing away. Go out and be charitable, like; giving donations to the poors and feed the orphans. A man's wealth is never diminished by charity.

In Ramadan, moderation is the key. Islam is a way of life and it reflects the need of balance in everything. It’s the month of control, anyways. No, it doesn’t mean you starve all day, all night. Just make a little extra food and pass it on to a neighbor, or someone needy you might come across on the road. A little good deed goes a long way, especially in Ramadan.

Don't just solely focus on the food. Read the holy book of al-Quran. Read stories about Prophets and share them with the younger ones, enlighten them about the importance of Ramadan.

Let's treat this month as if it's the last Ramadan that we have because time won't wait. In fact, Muslims and non-Muslims alike can benefit because we should all learn not to let the clock beat us and steal our holiest times. Time is a beast that doesn’t wait, and this life’s virtues are not always obvious. So let's grab every chance we have and make the best out of it.

Happy Ramadan, everyone!

Photos source: Google image

Checkout Aemy at emynadira.com for more of her updates!



"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

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[Movie Review] The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

by Daniel Chiam 

7/10 Could have ended as an epic legend

I am so torn apart with the last installment of Batman - The Dark Knight Rises by Christopher Nolan. After such a spectacular story line and  marvelous cast in The Dark Knight, I was hoping for more and perhaps something new, something epic to end the legend. To me personally, I felt the movie fall short of that one last push to become an epic saga.

The story line was well crafted and I do like all the twist at the end of it. Perhaps it was the execution of it was somewhat a bit disappointing, especially with the villain character - Bane. He was so formidable at the beginning and what happened to him in the end was for me a lil' bit distasteful for the character.

            

The one great thing about the whole movie is that it was well emotionally invested in the build up for Batman's character. How he rises again as the dark knight to protect what he love the most - Gotham city. Overall the movie was anything but boring, with all the actions, great story line and impressive casts, The Dark Knight Rises provide a decent ending for the legend.

I also like the fact that Nolan tease us at the end of the movie that something may or may not come out as another sequel (tho he said this is the last one for him) or a spin off of the Batman series.

Thank you 20th Century Fox and Nuffnang for the invite.

"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

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Dato' Lee Chong Wei | Golden Road to London

by Daniel Chiam 

It's an honor to have the opportunity to send off Dato' Lee Chong Wei and the entire Malaysia badminton team to London at the KLIA recently. A special thanks to Samsung Malaysia and Nuffnang for making this possible for me.

Dato' Lee Chong Wei, once again carrying the hopes and dreams of all Malaysian to bring back the first gold medal from the Olympic 2012 in London, and to claim back his number one spot in the BWF rankings from Lin Dan (China) .

The recent disappointment in the Thomas Cup due to injury has made the desire for gold is even greater this time, and I believe all our prayers and encouragement is with the entire Malaysian badminton team, especially to Dato' Lee Chong Wei to become the great inspiration for the whole team. Go for gold!

All the badminton's category will be starting on the 29th of July. Do catch our team in actions, cheer and support them. Give them all your best, as they are out there giving all their heart out to bring pride to Malaysia. Malaysia Boleh!

"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

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