Unlikely Examples

Role Models



As we reach adulthood, while most of us grow up, some of us don’t. Enter the lives of Wheeler (Seann William Scott) and Danny (Paul Ruud), two mismatched guys who have more in common with boys than men. Working for an energy-drink company, they roll from school to school in a cool bull-themed SUV and with one of them dressed as a bull mascot promoting the aforementioned drinks. An unfortunate mishap involving too much caffeine and a break-up, results in their truck ramming a precious statue, landing them in trouble. They gain a narrow escape in the form of 150 hours of community service, thanks to Danny’s (now ex) girlfriend (Elizabeth Banks).

Under the supervision of former cocaine addict Gayle (Jane Lynch), the two are roped into an organisation called Sturdy Wings where they will learn responsibility through caring for a youngster. While it appears that they have gotten themselves into a rather undesirable situation, the threat of jail leaves them no choice, and things only get worse from here onwards.

Danny, a guy who dislikes almost everything in the world, is assigned to help guide 16-year-old Augie (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) become a man. Augie is obsessed with medieval role playing and frequently takes part in a rather sad virtual world called LAIRE, much to the disappointment of his parents. Wheeler however, is assigned to Ronnie (Bobb’e J. Thompson), a foul mouth 10-year-old with an attitude problem and an obsession with boobies.

Although seemingly utilising a typical ‘who learns from whom’ scenario, the movie provides a lot of genuine laughs, with awkward situations, best of which is the hilarious tribute to KISS. The film ultimately sends the message across that sometimes the most unlikely individuals prove to be the best role models.

3.5 out of 5 Stars

Thinking Too Much

You know, sometimes I really do think too much... I would think and think... and spend pretty much the rest of my day worrying and worrying... and it would pretty much affect what I do, my mood, my work, and pretty much everything. And worrying too much seems to affect people close to me. I guess it's just not natural to them... and at the same time I also worry that I'd make them feel uncomfortable, even if all I do is be concerned about them. Scometimes I wonder if my worrying is justified. Should I just let things be and go with the flow and see how things turn out... or should I worry what to do next? Then I see some happy people I know... they seem to just continue to have fun... live their lives and let things be... I don't see them worrying about anything... and perhaps that's something I should try. Enjoy life, worry not and hope all good things come to me. Sure it has been a messy and confusing end of the year for me, but instead of being a constant worrier, I just hope to be a simple, happy person... like how I used to be.

PEACE and God Bless,

Aris Tee

YES, Watch This!

Yes Man



There is a certain appeal towards Jim Carrey comedies. They have the tendency of being totally slapstick or truly entertaining. Either way, we still flock to watch his shows (I know I do!). When trailers of his latest movie Yes Man played, many felt it was as if he’s doing ‘Liar Liar II’. Upon catching his latest flick, I’m glad those worries were unjustified.

The movie revolves around Carl Allen, a sad and lonely bank loan officer who leads a rather routine life, watching DVDs at home, working the same job and having little confidence in himself. One day he is convinced by a friend to attend a seminar in which he is taught to say ‘yes’ to every opportunity that comes in life. He is also told that the mere mention of the word ‘no’ will only lead to bad things. With the aid of a hilarious ‘dying-alone’ nightmare, he decides to give ‘yes’ a chance. Things turn out rough at first, but soon with this new philosophy, Carl experiences life in a completely new way. He becomes more adventurous and everything in life goes his way.

Upon offering a ride to a weird homeless man and allowing him to finish up his cellphone batteries and car’s petrol supply, he is unexpectedly introduced to Allison (played brilliantly by the gorgeous and awesomely cute Zooey Deschanel), who later becomes his love interest and further influences his life. It is interesting to note that both actors have great chemistry and were wonderful onscreen. Carl tries many things he wouldn’t have normally attempted, amongst other things, learning to fly, taking guitar lessons, learning to speak Korean, and even finding a Persian wife, most of which prove unexpectedly handy later on. But Carl also learns that access to unlimited possibilities can also have its drawbacks.

The bright cast of characters also adds to the fun, like loony boss Norman (Rhys Darby) and Terrence Bundley (Terence Stamp), the guy who teaches him the power of ‘yes’. The movie might have been rather formulaic and predictable in some parts, but the message here is very positive and there are laughs aplenty. A must watch for Jim Carrey and Zooey Deschanel fans.

4 out of 5 Stars

Change or be Eradicated

The Day the Earth Stood Still



There is something about classic science fiction movies that is just so appealing. Hollywood has a knack for revisiting these classics, and more often than not, they receive rather mixed reviews, with many comparing them to the originals. Not too long ago we had the remake of War of the Worlds, and there is even news of a When Worlds Collide remake in the works. The latest to obtain this treatment is The Day the Earth Stood Still.

Based on the 1951 film of the same name, the plot is largely unchanged, but updated to suit the modern day. The theme of aliens visiting our world has been a popular one, and it still continues to fascinate. The first 30 minutes of the movie are the most gripping, where central character and astrobiologist Helen Benson (Jennifer Connelly) is taken into custody and escorted by federal agents, along with many other scientists and government officials to a top-secret meeting. The reason - an unidentified flying object is headed straight for Central Park, Manhattan and since there is not much time left, they are just preparing for the aftermath. The scene that follows is rather captivating.

A spaceship in the shape of an orb appears and lands, and from it emerges an intergalactic being named Klaatu, together with his companion, dubbed ‘Gort’. Before the poor alien could even shake hands with Benson, a trigger-happy soldier fires a shot and wounds him. This scene is faithfully done like the original, with Klaatu taking the shot and Gort coming to his rescue, disabling tanks and military equipment. He is then taken to military custody and sheds his outer placenta suit to reveal a physique resembling Keanu Reeves. He sends the message that he is a friend of the Earth, and he means that literally. He represents a group of advanced aliens from other worlds who believe that Earth’s unique life-supporting properties are too unique to be destroyed by a single species (yes, he means us!). We are to change our ways or be annihilated. Despite his pleas to meet our planet’s ‘leader’, Klaatu instead becomes property of the US government.

It didn’t take long before he escapes though. It immediately becomes clear to Klaatu that we humans are stubborn and refuse to change. What follows is a wild goose chase with Benson trying to convince him that humanity can change and is worth saving. But stepson Jacob (Will Smith’s son Jaden) doesn’t help when he said that we should ‘kill him’ (perhaps influenced by his addiction to PS3 games). The plot takes a messy turn from here, and perhaps it would have been done much better if there was a stronger backbone to the story. Gort on the other hand, is strikingly similar in design to the 1951 original, except he is now about 50-feet tall and also a biological weapon. He arguably exists simply as an excuse to cause major destruction and to make use of the huge special-effects budget. Another interesting scene to catch is when various orbs appear to serve as ‘arks’ for life on Earth.

What’s most interesting is that a slightly-tweaked 50-year-old story is astonishingly relevant for this day and age. The Day the Earth Stood Still might not be a real groundbreaking movie, but it has a rather meaningful message that transcends time.

3 out of 5 Stars

Chimps in Space

Space Chimps



What do you get when you send three chimpanzees to space? You get Space Chimps of course. I know, lame pun but boy was there lots of chimp puns in this animated flick! As the story goes, in 1961, before man took that first step, it was a chimp that was sent off to space. His name was Ham (this is an actual fact!), and the story centres around his grandson Ham III (Andy Samberg), a circus performer who is shot out of a cannon on a daily basis. Clearly he doesn't aspire to follow his grandfather's footsteps.

When a billion-dollar space probe gets sucked into a wormhole, NASA plans to send chimps through it to see if they can survive the journey to the other side. This is to pave the way for future human travel. As a publicity stunt, Ham III is recruited to join two trained chimps, commander Titan (Patrick Warburton) and co-pilot Luna (Cheryl Hines) for this space mission. Ham surprisingly withstands high G-levels with ease where his two partners would pass out, but he kind of screws up everything he does and threatens to place the mission in jeopardy.

The story actually moves at breakneck speed. Before you know it, three chimps are actually off to space. While this all seems rather promising, it all goes haywire the moment they unveil a planet with retarded-looking good gooey green aliens and an ugly evil alien named Zartog (Jeff Daniels), who uses the missing space probe as a method of enslaving the inhabitants of the planet. It is almost as if they were from two different movies and put together, with animation not really fitting together. Do watch out for Kilowatt (her full name is ridiculously long!), a peculiar big-headed creature who generates lots of laughs.

While there are a number of genuine laughs in this movie, there seems to be too many chimp puns and a number of cliché jokes. Overall it should be colorful fun for the young, but older audiences might find the jokes a little thin. The chimps may be cute, but they are far from giving Bolt a run for our favourite dog's money.

2.5 out of 5 Stars