Toy Story 3 - Toys Have Never Looked Better!

Thursday, June 24, 2010 by Audrey
Growing up, I still fondly remember reading Enid Blyton's books about toys; how they come alive when we're asleep and we would go on 'adventures' together in my wild imaginative world. Sadly, I grew up. But then, "Toy Story" came along, and I relived all my kiddie days of playing with my toys and imagining them to have all sorts of adventures not unlike Woody & Buzz when I was asleep! 


As we all know, "Toy Story 3" is the continuation of the adventures of the toys we came to know and love in the first two installments (minus a few minor characters). The difference is that, this time around Andy - the boy whom the toys all belong to - has all grown up and is heading off to college! What will be the fate of his beloved toys? I won't spoil it for you, but suffice to say (especially if you have seen the trailer) they found themselves in a day care center led by an enormously cute and gregarious Lots-O'-Huggin' Bear, and lots of hilarity, drama and amazement at the toys' adventures ensue! *wink*

Andy's all grown up...will he bring Woody or Buzz to college?

If you had noticed the toys have been seriously decreased in numbers, fret not..."Toy Story 3" introduces a whole new host of toys for you to gawk at. Some are plain freaky yet adorable (The Baby) and some are so life like it'll also freak you out (case in point: Barbie & Ken)! I remember my sister remarking that Barbie is the EXACT one that she had when she was younger...the detailing is just remarkable! They got everything down pat, even to her hair! Pixar SO deserve kudos on that! 

Effects and great animation aside (that alone should be awesome factors for you to catch the movie!), the storyline of "Toy Story 3" is also great. These days, it's hard to find movies that can score so well on all these levels, but "Toy Story 3" brought it home...It's amazing to see how they gelled all the scenes together, and the story of the toys finding their place in a world where toys get mistreated, abandoned, replaced, etc etc. And that's not all! Not only do you get slapstick humour that the kids will enjoy loads, but there's also jokes that the adults will appreciate (or at least, I did! LOL!). Laughs are abundant, especially in the scene where the toys try to escape, and Mr. Potato plays a huge role in bringing in the laughs! Watch it and you'll know what I mean...you'll never look at Mr. Potato the same way again! *wink*

Andy's toys come out to play...and THEN SOME!

The film makers have also succeeded in making the toys have their moments to shine...if previously we've seen lots of Woody & Buzz in the first two movies, "Toy Story 3" also focuses on the other toys which makes this movie very interesting as all the characters are just awesome! Not only that, we also get to see some touching scenes for some of the toys too =) And as the movie comes to a close, one (okay, me at least. I'm a sucker for touching scenes) can't just help but reach for a Kleenex as we know that this is the last installment for the "Toy Story" franchise. I got ribbed loads by my niece when she saw the state I was in after the movie ended, but hey...I love me some toys! *sob*

This one REALLY has got to be seen in the cinemas to get that feeling (unless you have a life-sized theatre at your home!), and if you could, watch it in 3D! Sure, lots of people might complain that it's nothing much to shout about in terms of things popping out at you, but I actually prefer the subtle dimension effects that they made for "Toy Story". Kind of like "Avatar", but with cute toys =) It's totally worth the ticket price...heck, I might just watch it again. And again. Just to relive my kiddie days as Buzz's famous saying, "To Infinity....AND BEYOND!"


P/S: Oh yes, don't forget to be there early to catch the short animation film that Pixar always shows...it's AWESOME to say the least! They always say the most even when the characters don't talk =) Enjoy!
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Betty's Midwest Kitchen - A Must Try!

Friday, June 11, 2010 by Audrey
Whoa...can't believe it's been literally AGES since I've updated! I guess with Facebook being such an easy way to show people photos and all, I've been slacking and lazy to update my blogs. I shall try very hard to remember to update more often! *nods*

Okay, on to business (so to speak!). Being so bored (and stressed....in a way) at work and all, I went out with a few friends for dinner. Y asked me to bring along my camera, so I knew it would be good food coz she knows her stuff! *wink* We arrived at:

Betty's Midwest Kitchen! American food again...YAYY! 
The address:
A-G-40, Jalan PJU 1/43,
Aman Suria Damansara,
47301 Petaling Jaya

They even have a website: http://midwestkitchen.com.my/


Walking into Betty's Midwest Kitchen is like walking into a tribute place for all things American...they have so many mementos and pictures that are either American or symbolizes America. I thought it was a nice touch =) Being a weekend, it was fully packed with people...a sure sign that the food is awesome if not unnaturally good! *wink*


Some more photos of the decor in the restaurant...notice the piggies' photos on the wall? Yes, they serve pork!! YUMMM!! *grins* 


Our first order of the day...Ham and Tomato Soup. To me, when I hear the word 'Ham' I automatically think of those breakfast ham slices that we get from the supermarket....and that's what I would find in the soup. How wrong was I! The soup had generous helpings of tomatoes and vegetables (think carrots, celery, parsley, etc etc) as well as chunks of pork in it! Looking up "ham" online, I found out that ham is also cured pork legs or rump....AWESOME! You get this smokey taste from the ham as well as the combined vegetables' tastes in this....*licks lips*


Y's good friend, A ordered this: Baby Back Ribs, one of Betty's signature dishes. Look at them ribs! Grilled until tender and juicy, it's served with fries, coleslaw and a beer-based sauce that is oh-so-GOOD! I had a teensy bit of this, and I have a hankering to come back and order this dish the next time I'm around...YUMM!!


Another signature pork rib dish as well: Grilled Soft Ribs (also served with the beer based sauce). I didn't manage to get a taste of this, but from the looks of it you can already tell that it's AWESOME!!


Somehow the appetizers arrived in the midst of the main course...LOL! But that didn't stop us from nomming every single morsel of this dish! They called this "Pigs In a Blanket"...I found a recipe that is similar, and needless to say, both are drool-worthy! You really can't go wrong with sausages wrapped in bacon and subsequently baked / grilled...*wink* I should also mention that they have many cute names for their dishes...one that I find particularly funny was called "Dog Food". LOL! Nah, it's not actual dog food, but it's fries with gravy and cheese....come to think of it, I think Scottie might just wolf it down! LOLL!


This was a special for the day...can't exactly remember the whole name (it was too long!) but it was something like President Ford's braised steak. Served with greens and mashed potatoes, I think one can't go wrong with this....*grins*


Again, going with the cute names, this was the Braised Boston Butt...LOL! I know, right? It's technically not taken from the pig's butt (it's a pork shoulder), but I guess from the way it's cut and all, it looked like a butt? LOLL! I'm just rambling...but this was done really well! The pork shoulder was grilled JUST RIGHT and the meat just falls away when you slice into it...VERY tasty with the sauce slathered on top!


Finally, this was my order: Pork Chop with Caramelized Apples. When I saw the name, I thought, "Hmm...caramelized apples. That's interesting!" Images of an actual caramel apple (like this) on the pork chop started forming...but when this arrived I was a little disappointed to be honest. LOL! Still, all was forgiven when I took that first bite...the pork chop was smothered in apple sauce not unlike those you can find in apple pies! I know it might sound off-putting, but it actually works! The sauce wasn't as sweet as an apple pie, but when coupled with the marinated pork chop you get this nice combination that just screams 'comfort food'....I can easily see myself eating this whenever I'm feeling upset. Heh! Served with mashed potatoes (which were also AWESOME! Silky and creamy, with just enough gravy to make you go "MMMMM"), caramelized onions and peas, it was a dish I never regretted ordering =)


With that being said, head on down to Betty's if you want to savour good pork dishes or just hearty American food...I definitely heart it! Speaking of it just makes me hungry again...anyone up for a trip there? *wink*
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Louisiana - Cajun Food Galore!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010 by Audrey
No, I am not in the US of A now (I so wish I am, though! LOL!) but who knew there's a place here in Malaysia that serves great Cajun food? I was introduced to Louisiana by a good friend when she took me out to dinner (and asked me to bring my camera along...heh!). It was such a superb experience that I brought my family out to eat there too a few weeks later! Yes, it was THAT good! Don't believe me? Let's allow the photos to do the 'talking' *wink* I'm no professional photographer, but the food there already look great, so not much editing is needed...heh!




The place itself....it has a nice homey feel to it, but the best seats are outside where it has a great view of the lake next to it! Eating out with a great view and a cool breeze blowing...*sigh of contentment* 
Here's the address:
Block D-1-01, Jln SS7/13A
Plaza Kelana, Petaling Jaya
Tel: 03-78755230


My feeble attempt at capturing the cool decoration...outside, it's like a rustic Cajun diner that you see in the movies, with the striking red-and-green color banners and the vintage lighting...awesome!


The fountain that comes on during intervals at the lake...pretty, but err...my photography skills aren't. LOL!


Okay, okay...enough talk! Be prepared to feel hungry after this *wink*

For appetizers (both times!!), we had seafood gumbo! Remember the movie "The Princess & The Frog" where the princess would always talk about gumbo and how yummy it is? Well, if the real thing tastes like the one here, I would say "Get me another bowl!" The gumbo is creamy and savory, with plenty of seafood (shrimp, squid, crabmeat), some sausages and vegetables thrown in. Every bite is finger licking good! The dish comes with pieces of garlic bread and it's a great combination! If you thought pairing garlic bread with mushroom soup is great, garlic bread with gumbo is DIVINE! 


This was what my good friend, Y had...seafood oglio. Spaghetti tossed with some spices and accompanied by loads of seafood...I had a taste and it was scrumptious! Had a little bite and spiciness to it, but it was mild enough to make you go for more...*grins*


Y's housemate, C had the American burger...look at the ginormous size of it! Love the fries that came with it...they are what fries should be: crispy on the outside but soft and tender on the inside with a bit of bite! 


THIS was what I had the first time...Cajun Tossed Crawfish Spaghetti! I had heard of crawfish before, but I never expected it to look like this...they look like teeny lobsters! The spaghetti was done very well...cooked al dente and then tossed with some crawfish stock, herbs and spices. Squeeze a bit of lemon juice on it, and you get a yummy experience! Now, to talk about the crawfish: to me it feels like a combination of shrimp and lobster...the shell is a little difficult to get off (Thank goodness they left only one for me to peel! There were quite a few peeled ones in the dish by the way..*grins*) but once you get the shell off, you have this tender but dense meat...kind of like a lobster texture, but it melts in your mouth more. And yet it has a head like a prawn with the nice gooey stuff that the Chinese adore when eating prawns! Cool eh?


This was what my sister ordered the second time I went with my family...Louisiana's Famous Shrimps Scampi. Look at the succulent prawns!! (I can never differentiate between shrimps and prawns...they look the same to me, and so I shall call them prawns. Hah!) It has a citrus-y taste to it, but oh so good! The prawns are cooked just right and was very springy, not like some places where they overcook the prawns...MMMM!


Kids eat for free in Louisiana...isn't that cool? Rachel had this kiddie set called Popeye The Sailor or something like that...the kiddie menu items all had cartoon character names like Mickey Mouse and Winnie-The-Pooh, so it was quite cute!


My Mom, the ever health conscious person that she is, opted for the Salmon Tataki Salad. Kind of a standard salad really, but the difference comes in the salmon atop it...it's seared just right and seasoned with black pepper. Couple that with the vinaigrette dressing, it was delicious! This got polished off real fast...heh!


Dad always had a thing for rice, so he ordered this: Dirty Rice. LOL! Don't be fooled by its name...it's not at all dirty! Rather, it's a whole mix of yummy condiments: liver, seafood, vegetables, chicken strips, etc etc. Kind of like a 'rojak' rice, if you may...but it's SOOO nice! I had a taste, and the first thing that came to mind that it tasted like Tom Yam rice...hahaha! But after a few bites, it doesn't and you taste this awesome "I want to have more" dish...the portion was ginormous! Imagine a mini mountain...o.O" And yet, my dad can finish about three quarters of it! That's the testament to how good it was..*wink*


Meanwhile, I had the rack of lamb...*grins* Sorry for the bad lighting, but this was taken in the evening (with no flash) so the photo doesn't really do it much justice. The lamb was cooked medium rare, so it's tender and juicy...*licks lips* Pair that with a mustardy sauce on the plate and the roasted vegetables (namely potatoes and carrots! My faves!), it's superb!


Another highlight of the day was the Famous Cajun Crawfish Boil! It had 2 serving sizes...half a kg, or one kg. We ordered the half kg one, and it was sublime! Crawfish boiled just right with loads of vegetables in it! The combination of the crawfish 'juices' with the vegetables were SUPER cool! Squeeze a bit of lemon juice and it's a perfect combination of savoury and tangy flavours! *thumbs up* You have to get dirty eating this though, aka using your fingers...but that makes it extra delicious too! *grins*


We were stuffed quite full in the end (the portions were HUGE!), but Rachel wanted a little dessert, so we ordered the Louisiana Mud Pie...gorgeous right? It's like a Molten Lava cake with a generous scoop of vanilla ice-cream, drizzles of hot chocolate syrup, toppings of nuts, whipped cream and a maraschino cherry on top. Ooh, I'm salivating as I type this! 


So yup, that was my account of the great food at Louisiana! Ooh, another thing to note is the impeccable service from the crew there. Everyone was very friendly and helpful, and I remember they asked us how was the food (which we don't really get in other restaurants...I thought that was really nice! People should do it more!) and even voluntarily brought in bowls of water for us to clean our fingers after our enjoyment of the crawfish (although I would have licked my fingers clean even if they didn't bring it...haha! I know, how unlady-like! =P)! Price-wise, it is a bit on the steep side...expect to fork out at least RM40 per person, but it's so worth it! Treating yourself once in a while is always a good thing, I say...plus, how often do you find a place that has great ambience, great view, great food and awesome service? *wink*
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The Losers

Thursday, April 22, 2010 by Audrey
With a title called "The Losers", it's not hard to dismiss this film as being a loser too. But don't let the title put you off!

"The Losers" is based on the comic book of the same name published by DC/Vertigo and apparently, the film makers wanted it (the film) to have the same feel as the comic book...which we see similarities of in the opening sequence! So, what's the story with these 5 dudes and a hot chick? The hot chick comes a bit later, but the 5 dudes are actually military soldiers (I think they're commandos but there was no explanation on what they REALLY are, so my opinion works for me...haha!) who are accused of some murders in Bolivia after their 'job' there got horrendously wrong. They became fugitives after making themselves appear to be deceased in that incident. After a while we learn that they are framed by some weird dude named Max (Jason Patric) and Aisha (Zoe Saldana) gets in to help them exact revenge on Max and clear their names at the same time.

The action in the film is certainly something to look at. From the get go, we already can see lots of explosions, fist fighting, adrenaline pumping racing (cars or humans) and even 'telepathic killing' (which is so cute and funny at the same time, it needs to be watched to be understood!). And it does in a way feel like an action-packed video game (a la Counter Strike if I may say so!) where the characters are all bombarded with 'stuff' they had to do. Plus, the whole bad-guy-good-guy thing works rather well. I mean, it's from the comics, no?

The Losers arriving in the US of A with style!

The cast were quite commendable in their performances. I especially liked Jeffrey Dean Morgan's turn as Clay, the leader of the whole gang. He was more towards the rom-com movies where he played the rough but romantic leading man, but as the tough leader with a soft heart he proved his mettle too! Chris Evans (aka Johnny Storm in "Fantastic Four") also did a great job playing the geeky but every funny Jensen. Even though he's a techie in the group, he is no less of a soldier...watch out for his running and scaling building scenes in the film. Oh, and let's not forget his 'changing in the elevator' scene too, where he boogies and sings to that famous Glee song! *wink* Special mention also is in order for Oscar Jaenada for his solid portrayal of Cougar. Even though he has the least lines amongst the five, he has a great presence and is very likeable as the Latino sniper!

I also liked how the film makers took a dig at some recent 'issues' that we have in the world. One of my favourite quotes from the film (paraphrased):
"....for the 'green' terrorists in the world. Maximum damage, no pollution!"

Some movie critics didn't really like the film that much (read Rotten Tomatoes for it) saying that there is no character development or if there's any logic to the way they get things done in the film. Some even find it suitable only for people with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)! *gasp* Would it mean that I have ADD if I liked the film? For me, I liked how even though it was not the best movie I've ever watched, it kept me entertained. And since it was based on a comic book, what's there to talk about accuracy or logic? Most comic books don't really follow the rules on that...why should the film be? Let's not all be hoity-toity and pretend that we don't enjoy a funny, fast paced movie that doesn't require a lot of digesting in terms of the plot. *wink* 
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Julie & Julia

Tuesday, April 20, 2010 by Audrey
I have recently come to appreciate Meryl Streep's acting more and more...she really does bring so much to each character that she portrays! Add that to a movie about food (French food nonetheless!!), some other cool actors too and you get "Julie & Julia"!

There really isn't much of a continuous plot if you asked me...the film is more on the lives of Julie Powell (Amy Adams) and Julia Child (Meryl Streep) and some similarities between these two personalities. Not that they are both alike in any way....Julie is a writer who is also a big fan of Julia Child. In an attempt to spice up her life, she decides to cook through Julia Child's French cookbook and blogging about it (isn't that a great idea?!). The film then sort of intertwines that with Julia Child's life (back in the 50's) when she was struggling to find things to do...and ended up cooking!

It is definitely a wordy film...there's lots of talking involved, but I guess with a movie that is made based on Julie Powell's blog (which is still there!!) and Julia Child's letters to a friend, it has to be talked out. But the talking is made bearable with commendable performances by Amy Adams (I think she was more known as the Princess in Disney's 'Enchanted') and Meryl Streep. The only thing I didn't get was that why Julia had this weird voice when she's talking...only later on did I find out that the real Julia Child actually sounded something like that! And it just goes to show how dedicated one can get with their work...=) 

Julia Child & her husband, Paul Child (played by the cool Stanley Tucci)

Stanley Tucci also pulled off a great performance in the film...if we remembered him all too eerily in "The Lovely Bones", here he is affable and rather suave as Julia Child's high-flying husband. These two definitely are great partners in acting! 

Even if you aren't too impressed with the talking and all, the visuals just might...the use of color is very cool, especially for Julia's scenes at her homes and Paris...what's not to like about Paris, right? In Julie's scenes, colors are not really striking but the food that she prepares will strike hunger pangs in you *wink* Too many a time I have been 'inspired' (if it can be applied to me!) to go grab a cookbook and start cooking my heart away! It did strike me at one time though that one doesn't really need that many tools to conjure up beautiful dishes as in Julie's case...or maybe it's just what films tell you. After all, the food wasn't actually made on the spot by the actors...they had renowned chefs doing it for them! So, that vision of me doing a Julie Powell goes down the drain pretty quickly. LOL!

Julie throwing a huge dinner party with a splendid looking main course!

Watch this for the gorgeous food shots and the splendid acting from Meryl Streep & Stanley Tucci. Even if you don't cook, you'll be salivating at the sight of them food...makes you want to go dine out at a fine dining restaurant pronto! *grins* Although cooking is not my forte, but this movie definitely sparked more interest in it...it does kind of makes me want to go get a cookbook and start working my way through it. The idea of cooking through a whole cookbook within a certain time frame is quite cool! What an idea for a project! Now, where should I start looking for a cookbook?
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Clash Of The Titans

Monday, April 19, 2010 by Audrey
One of my most anticipated movies for 2010...combining Greek mythology (a favourite of mine to watch & read!), great actors (to name a few: Ralph Fiennes, Liam Neeson, and Sam Worthington!!!) and state-of-the-art special effects, it should be a great movie right?? Yes....and no.

"Clash Of The Titans" is about Perseus (the delicious Sam Worthington) who is the son of Zeus (Liam Neeson) but raised as a mortal by a fisherman. Something happened  and Perseus lost his earthly family. Enraged by this, he sets out to sort of 'set things right' with the gods and embarks on a journey with a gang of rather curious people. Some include the Djinn (watch it, and you'll know what that is!), another beautiful half-mortal (played by Gemma Arterton), an old soldier with mad swordsman skills (Mads Mikkelsen), and a few others. As with all big 'epic' movies, I guess you would have probably known what would be the end of the story...*wink*

Don't get me wrong...there's quite a few things that one is able to enjoy with this cool remake. Most noticeably: the special effects! All the giant monsters and creatures from the Greek mythologies come to life in the movie, and it's pretty awesome given the fact that technology has come such a long way since stop-motion puppetry (a la the 1981 film which this one is a remake of). One of my favourite scenes involving the effects would probably be the desert scene with the giant scorpions. *grins*

The cast certainly were no second rate actors too...Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes did a great job with their godly characters, bringing much presence and aura to them, though one can't help shake the feeling that Hades is kind of similar (if not the exactly the same) as Voldemort in the Harry Potter series...LOL! Still, it's a delight to watch Hades bring on destruction in his own quiet and deceptive manner. Liam Neeson as Zeus is very commendable too...he plays the 'doting father' role really well (I still remember him from the rather cool movie 'Taken'), trying to earn the love of the people for the gods. And yet, when push comes to shove, Zeus is a formidable power as well....only, I didn't quite like the armour thing that the gods had to wear. I mean, wouldn't they be immune to any attack? After all, they are gods, no? *shrugs*

Sam Worthington is - as usual - cool, but I'm not too sure if it's because the movies that he's acted in so far are these action films. Most of his expressions and even the way he delivers the lines to a certain extent are so similar to his 'Avatar' character, it's uncanny! Maybe he needs more roles in other types of films to show his versatility...he's definitely not showing much as of now! My favourite character of all would probably be Mads Mikkelsen as Draco. Although only a supporting character, he is definitely memorable and plays the unsmiling fearless captain with aplomb! Watch out for his 'training session' with Perseus...funny and awesome at the same time!

Although there is much to be liked about the film, the only stumbling block that this movie faces is the storyline...or lack thereof. Perhaps the film makers thought they can throw enough special effects to dissuade the audience from the non-existent storyline....it does have a plot, somewhere, but not enough character development to make people emphatise with the characters. Which is kind of sad really, coz it was almost there....just not quite there yet. LOL!

People who have watched the 1981 film all say that the old version was loads better in terms of the storyline...I have yet to watch the old film in its entirety. The only thing I remember was seeing bits and pieces of the movie as my sister was engrossed by it, and going "Err...why is the monster a puppet? So fake!" So yeah, you get my drift on the special effects of that era.

Difference between the old (top) and the new (bottom) Kraken...

If you have yet to watch the older version, give this one a go for the special effects. Then watch the old version for the storyline, and combine the two in your head for a more ideal movie...*grins*
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Diary Of A Wimpy Kid

Monday, April 12, 2010 by Audrey
Oh man, it's been so long since I've updated. Here goes my first attempt at a book review. *grins*

The "Diary Of A Wimpy Kid" series actually consists about 4-5 books if I'm not mistaken. I have only read the 3 pictured here thanks to my 7-year-old niece. (I still find it hard to grasp that kids nowadays progress so darn fast! At 7, I think my reading capability was only relegated to maybe nursery rhymes or the "Peter & Jane" books. How times have changed, no?)

Yes, in essence it is kind of a kid's book since it talks about a boy in middle school (which if I remember correctly would be the age around 11 - 14??). Heck, even the writings and illustrations reflect that. But what's great about the books is the humour injected into them. Written in a diary style, we go through the book in the eyes of Greg, who is kind of just a normal kid with the usual stuff that kids get (big brother issues, bullied by other kids, etc etc), only he's kind of a smart aleck too, coming up with 'weird' ideas and smart-but-will-get-you-in-trouble answers. Oh, and let's not forget his big ego when it comes to comparing himself with other kids his age....it's hillarious, especially looking at the way he compares himself to his best friend & sidekick Rowley (my idea of a bumbling but adorable character played to a T! Too cute!)

Accompanying the entries are all these illustrations (also done by the author) that just bring the jokes more humour. Simple as they are, they are effective and summarizes Greg's experiences very well. Somehow, the illustrations remind me a little of Calvin and Hobbes, but this time the main character is 12 and his sidekick is not a stuffed tiger, but a 6-year-old kid stuck in a 12-year-old kid's body. *grins*

One example of the hillarious illustrations in the books

All in all, one cool book that I'm not ashamed to say I've read even though it's a children's book (in a way). And who would have thought kids' books can be so entertaining? I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series...hopefully I'll find more time to do that! The first book is being made into a movie, and tentative release date is in May! Looking at the trailer, it looks about as funny as it was in the books, so I'm hoping it doesn't disappoint!
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