Prince of Persia: The sand of time

I have seen the trailers for this movie for the longest time. I think they started promoting it like a good 3-4 months before the movie officially comes up. Which is nothing weird really. But, the fact that the trailer was just sooo unappealing made me just kind of sick of it already, even without before watching it.

Anyway, so thursday comes, and again, we ran out of movies to watch, except this week's release - Prince of Persia.


As usual, here is the summary as taken from IMDB:
Adopted from the streets of Nasaf by King Sharaman of Persia, young Dastan grows up amongst royalty and quickly earns his place as a mighty warrior and prince. As his brothers Garsiv and Tus plan battle strategies, a spy sends word that the Holy City of Alamut has been supplying weapons to enemies of Persia. Taking matters into his own hands, Tus orders an attack on the sacred city and upon its fall Dastan encounters the beautiful Princess Tamina. When King Sharaman dies under mysterious circumstances shortly after, and Dastan is accused of his murder, he flees with the princess on a harrowing mission to clear his name. Learning from Tamina the true motives behind Alamut's invasion, Dastan must embark on a perilous quest to stop an evil mastermind's plot for ultimate power with a mystical weapon that can control the very fabric of time.

As you can see, it is actually quite an interesting one. However maybe because of the lousy trailer, I really didnt have high expectation of this movie. I was surprised though when I watched it, it was not too bad actually.

I thought the princess could have been prettier (since she was like dubbed as the prettiest thing on earth in the movie) , and I thought the movie could have used less english (I mean it is set for Persia, obviously they dont speak english there... )

Anyhoot all in all, I think it is oklah... a 'can-go' category...

Decided!

I think I have been without a car for far too long. I have lost count on how many times have i felt crippled and desperate to be mobile again.

I think I have had enough and it is high time for me to finally decide on my new ride.

Since I let go Princess, we have in fact gone to several showrooms to test drive and check out cars. Here are the few cars I had considered (the number there was just the order of car tested, not preference btw)

1st consideration - Suzuki Swift

What I like about it was that it was a nice compact car, similar to what I am used to, and it has quite nice design. It is also within intended budget. The interior was alright, acceptable. I have mixed feeling about the keyless concept, but I guess that shouldnt be a deciding factor. Another plus sign is also that they have ready stock, so I dont have to wait long to get the car.
My reservations on the other hand was on the fact that its resale value is not as good as other Japs. I was not so happy with the slow pickup, feels quite draggy.
On the road price: 73k++
Specs: 1.5cc CKD

2nd consideration - Perodua Myvi

Again I liked the fact that it is an attractive cute compact car. Price wise is cheaper than others that I was looking at, but to me was quite pricey for what is offered. I also like the car's responsiveness, despite it being a 1.3cc only. Waitlist is not so bad, just one monyth +.
I hated the interior, I thought it was boring and looking plain and the seats was just so so. It has USB but unable to support my Ipod.
On the road price (SE version): 51k
Specs: 1.3

3rd consideration - Honda City

Among all I was inclined towards this one the most. Pricewise it is a lil bit more than what I was expecting but I guess it is fair for the things I am getting such as 5 gears, ipod support, etc etc. I didnt quite like the interior (never have liked honda's rrecent interiors anyways) especially those silvery bits. Driving experience - feels a bit heavy (even compared to Rizals HA), responsiveness is quite okay. I thought it would be convinient if both of us drives Honda (since boleh la suruh Rizal yg pergi hantarkan service hehe).
I would have gotten a City had it not for the ridiculously long waiting period - 3 months!!!!
Price on the road (E specs): 91k+
Specs: 1.5 CKD

4th consideration - Toyota Vios

Overall Vios is okay. Didnt like design, i tot it looked funny. Interior is more to my liking compared to City or Myvi. I actually liked the interior for the TRD Sportivo Specs, sporty giler ok.
Again, no support for ipod. Test driven the car, and feels a bit light compared to City. Going uphill wasnt so pleasing, though it was smooth but i felt the engine was revving. Good thing is the wait list is acceptable - around one month.
Price on the road (E specs): 81k+

5th Consideration - Nissan Latio

Of all the cars I test diven, I liked this one the most. I thought it was one of the most comfortable car. The seats was just perfect, and I absolutely loved the adjustable of back seats! I could just imagine myself dozing off on long distance travels hehehe...
Of course its design (the hatchback) is quite attractive too, especially after you add on those bodykits. The car despite being a hatchback is actually very spacious. I think inside cabinwise it is probably one of the biggest ive seen.
Driving wise, I thought it was not as responsive as the Myvi, city or the vios. But being a 1.6cc i think it'll be a good ride on the highways and stuff.
The price unfortunately is a bit above my budget otherwise this one is a winner.
Price on the road (Sports hatchback): 98k+


So which one shall be my next ride????

Tungguuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu............................

Robin Hood

Last night we watched Robin Hood.

As the title suggests, this movie was about the legendary Robin Hood and how he came about to save England from the fall to the French, set out in the 12th century.

Summary as taken from IMDB:
Following King Richard's death in France archer Robin Longstride,along with Will Scarlett, Alan-a-Dale and Little John,decides to return to England. They encounter the dying Robert of Locksley,whose party was ambushed by treacherous Godfrey,who hopes to facilitate a French invasion of England, and Robin promises the dying knight he will return his sword to his father Walter in Nottingham. Here Walter encourages him to impersonate the dead man to prevent his land being confiscated by the crown,and he finds himself with Marian, a ready-made wife.Hoping to stir baronial opposition to weak King John and allow an easy French take-over, Godfrey worms his way into the king's service as Earl Marshal of England and brutally invades towns under the pretext of collecting Royal taxes. Walter tells Robin he knew his father,a freedom-fighter who hoped to unite the barons for a better society but Walter is killed by Godfrey after a raid on Nottingham. Robin rallies the barons and the king and thwarts the invasion,avenging Walter by slaying Godfrey. Sensing that Robin's popularity makes him a threat,John declares him an outlaw. Thus along with his friends,including his wife and her priest Friar Tuck, Robin joins other orphans and outcasts in the greenwoods where the legend begins.
~~~~~~~end of summary from IMDB~~~~~~~~

To be really honest, I dont know much about Robin Hood at all except that he is usually depicted wearing a red hood and helped others by stealing from the rich to help the poor. So I guess this movie was like a prelude , to show how Robinhood became an outlaw and you can be sure that there'll be sequels coming out soon.

Overall I thought the movie was quite good, I would rate it a 3 over 5 star.

Bounty Hunter

As Rizal has been down with fever and cough, there was not much activity done this weekend, tapi sempat lah jugak catch one movie.

I wanted to see Robin Hood but Rizal dont seem to be excited about it. He was more interested in seeing Bounty Hunter as apparently this one was top of the movie chart list for 2 weeks before Iron Man 2.

The storyline is very simple - it is about a bounty hunter whose current hunt is none other than his ex wife. Just as its storyline, there was nothing spectacular about this movie. Despite its famous line ups such as Jennifer Aniston and Gerald Butler, the movie to me was a flop. It was boring, and both me and Rizal came out of the movie feeling cheated.

So how many stars you say? Hmm.. maybe just 4 out of 10

Daughters Of Arabia

When I looked back through this blog, I was surprised to find that I had never once mentioned of my other passion - which is reading.

Being an avid reader, I obviously frequents bookstores and online books/blogs. When I was younger I used to love going to libraries, I could sometimes be there for hours and hours reading one after another book.

In my family, Ayah is the other person who likes to read besides me. So I guess my reading habit was inherited from him. I remember when I was younger we had like a whole wall full of story books, mags, reader's digest and whole lot of other reading materials.

So, upon realising the fact that I hadnt written anything about my books I decided to start with the current book I am reading.

Daughters of Arabia by Jean Sasson

I picked this book when we were in Borders last weekend. Havent really finished reading it - and have been enjoying it so far.

Its a true story about the lives of a Princess from the Royal family of Saudi. She is one of the Al-Saud, and she (narrated by the writer) is telling the story about being a princess and the challenges of raising her children. This book is actually a continuation to an international best seller titled Princess. I am yet to read it, but will surely hunt for it in the bookstore soon.

This interesting book unveiled the dilemma and challenges of being a woman and a mother within Saudi royals. They live in luxury, with tonnes of money but confined and controlled in the men-ruled country. In her eyes, she told us the story of how more often than not, in Saudi the teachings of Islam were being misinterpreted and concluded to suit men's need and convenience rather than interpreted according way of Islam.

Reading this book made me realise, we the Malaysian are probably having the best of every side of the world. I mean the Arabs are rich, but they are not able to do as they please. In the west on the other hand, we are able to do whatever we want but the freedom can easily make us forget and drift us away - or in some cases, could land us unnecessary trouble with racist issues. Here is Malaysia, we have a balance, a real balance. And it is just really up to us to decide how devoted or devious we want to be. It is really up to us to make the difference in our life. And for that I thank Allah for have given us this opportunity and I prayed that me and my family will always be on the right path.

Amen...

Pasar Malam

Last night, we went to pasar malam. While we were there we took the opportunity to buy the week's stock.

More often than not, what we bought usually stayed in the fridge for a long time left uncooked, and finally forgotten.

So today I am going to list down what we bought and have an advanced plan of what I am going to cook.

1. Ketam
2. Tenggiri 2 pieces
3. Prawns (half kilo / kept in quarters)
4. Siakap 1 piece

Au revoir Princesse, merci..

The time has come for me to say good bye to my dear Princesse. Officially signed off and handed over the car to its new boss on Monday afternoon 3rd May 2010 - exactly 7 years 5 months after I owned it.

Words cannot describe how I feel. As I was driving the car for the last time, I was sobbing, and for a moment, had this crazy thought of cancelling the whole thing. But I knew it wouldnt be a wise move. As much as I loved princess, it has becoming a liability of late.

I still remember the joy when I first drove it home. It was a car that I have been eyeing for quite a while, and just like the way I sold it, it wasnt planned. I didnt plan to buy a car, but just decided to check it out. After seeing it, it didnt take me long to decide - in fact it was like love at first sight. (I still have some photos of me checking out the car , see kat bawah ni.. :) )











So much has happened since then, Princess has taken me to all over the place over time. To the beaches and mountains, to the city and kampungs, princess has been a loyal ride, never complaining, never failing.

As a final good bye I just would like to dedicate this post to princess.

Princesse,
Thank you so much for serving me well all these years, and please be good to your new owner. You are always in my heart ..

IP Man 2

Yep, we watched another movie this week. This time its Ip Man 2. I didnt watch the first Ip Man so cant comment much if one is better than the other.

For those who doesnt know who Ip Man is - he is Bruce Lee's sifu. So this movie is actually based on real story - real people.

Ip Man 2 starts with snippets of ending scene of Ip Man, where he was shot by the Japanese. He then fled to Hong Kong and tried to make a living there by setting up a Kung Fu School.

The movie is really about his struggle in Hong Kong, and how he came up as hero in the end. It wasnt really a smooth sailing journey for him to set up the school - Lack of interest , not having enough money, having to earn his status of Sifu by fighting with all other Sifus in Hong Kong before being recognised as one, the list goes on.

Being without money and with dignity, he refused to budge in to the demands of Master Hung Chun-nam who is the richest and most influential Martial Arts Master in HK. The hostile treatment didnt last long though, especially after Master Hung realises what a good man Ip Man is. Their fragile friendship did not last long though when Master Hung was killed tragically defending the dignity of Chinese Martial arts against Twister (who thinks Boxing is better than Chinese Martial Arts). Btw, in this movie - they really potrayed the English as such a bitch, sampaikan dengan me sekali bengang giler with those Englishman okay hehe.

Anyway, Ip Man brought back dignity in the Chinese, when he fought back against the cocky English boxer in a subsequent Boxing match intended to pacify the controversy created with the cruel death of Master Hung. He won triumphly - beating Twister on his face just like how Twister killed Master Hung.

IP Man 2 had all good casts - Sammo Hung and Donnie Yep , who in real life is known for their Chinese Martial arts skills.

Overall I would rate it an 8/10.