Flash Review: Land of the Lost Review

Land of the Lost is a remake of a popular children's movie during the 70s. I wish I could say more about the original but I never saw it. But that doesn't mean a review is not supposed to be done.

There are two sides of the coin in this movie and there will be two groups who will watch it: those who like it and those who will not like (or hate) it. I have to be part of the first group since I personally like it. Maybe because I haven't watched the original series which means I don't have any frame of reference. Those who don't like it on the other hand will surely complain that the main character is not the same as the original Dr. Rick Marshall.

But still, the movie is funny has a few surprises and can give you a great time. On the other hand, there are some troubling times in the movie. Sometimes the characters are just pushing for some skits that do not really have a good effect on the movie (a bit spoiler on the crab). It can be a bit frustrating for those who wanted to have good laughs. What I was surprised was that there are actually instances that will make you jump on your chair.

Overall, the movie is good for kids and parents. I don't know if there's really a moral to the story but I don't think that anyone watching this will really complain in getting their lost 1.5 hours.

7/10

Wiki (warning spoilers)

Flash Review: Black Snake Moan

I was fortunate enough to rent "Black Snake Moan" on DVD last weekend. I tried to watch it again for this review and fortunate not just because of possibly reviewing it but enjoying the story.

Set on the South, "Black Snake Moan" is a story of an African American taking care of a Caucasian with a bad reputation. The resolution is not that easy but it's very gripping. The movie stars Samuel L. Jackosn, Christina Ricci and Justin Timberlake. It's not a movie for kids since the message is for adults. Sometimes discpline needs some heavy chains in order to be implemented. In this case, literally.

There are many things that can get anyone interseted in the movie. Seeing Christina Ricci in this movie is very interesting. Samuel L. Jackson is not your regular cool guy as a takes on a great role to be the villain/hero. Justin Timberlake is also not your regular cool guy. The message and mix up of the story is not that simple. You just have to feel sorry for Ricci as she has to go through a lot of sob stories in the movie. Ultimately, you have to thank only yourself for finishing the movie as you learned many lessons why some can't just get the message easily.

As a music lover, what I like most about the movie is the amazing soundtrack. They say Samuel L. Jackson learned to play guitar to have a good performance in this bit and as a guitar player, it's good to see his hands are well placed in the guitar.

Great movie, great music. 'nuff said.

9/10

Wiki

Flash Review: GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra

I was born in the 80s so I can say that I was there when they presented GI Joe in animation. Just like any kid my age, I was excited to see them on TV and kinda angry everytime I see the nemesis and rejoiced when the good guys arrive.

Having said this, I have mixed feelings when I saw the movie in theaters. I know they have awesome effects and the action is actually not bad but something is being pushed here.

They are pushing for a sequel. Yep, it's not a spoiler but they are simply thinking of making more money out of the story.

In gist, the movie is a presentation on how the feud started. They presented the background of every major character and added a few twists in the end. If you're not familiar with the original animation, then this movie is a great start to know the "Joes" as they say it.

There are people who complained about the "suit" since they are not seen in the original animation. This is what I have to say, the suit is surprisingly not a big part of the story so quit whining about it. It's just part of the plot so they can cover some holes and even make it more futuristic.

But the fact still remains: they are just trying to make a movie so that it can become a franchise. On the other hand, the part of me loves the action so my thoughts on the movie re mixed. I just wish the next "Joe" will not have the forced set-up for part 3.

6/10

Official Site

Wiki (warning spoilers)

Movie Fight: House of Thousand Corpses and Devil's Rejects

As you may have read in my previous reviews, I'm a big fan of Rob Zombie. These are his two pet projects that I love to watch especially when I feel really depressed and just want to be angry some more. They show you the scary side of being human as these movies are no holds barred when it comes to violence.

If you allow me to choose between the two, I like the first movie better (House of Thousand Corpses). The sequel is still great but it has transformed into a bit of trickery and gore. There are no new revelations about the main characters as they just try to go on a killing spree. But then again, these are two great movies that seemed to fit the fans of Rob Zombie.

The only challenging part for me is that the movie, you may not believe it, ultimately can force you to skip forward and know what happened to the hunted. If you have this urge: don't. There are too many good scenes to be ignored. This is where the House of Thousand Corposes lacks and Devil's Rejects rejoices. The latter movie was just plain scary since it will place you in very dangerous situations. The first movie was haunting as you do not know how evil these guys can get.

Overall, these are two great movies that should be watched in the Holloween weekend. Careful though, these movies are not made for the squimish. If you were able to watch Ilsa the Wolf of SS without any problem, they you can watch (and appreciate) the movie.

Flash Review: Hamlet 2

Southpark is one of the most culturally sensitive cartoons ever. But that sensitivity is not based on shying away from topics as this sensitivity is pure embracement while making it funny. And many people (including me) likes this setting. It's like getting a 101 in pop culture everytime the new episode is up.

Why am I talking about Southpark for Hamlet 2? Because Hamlet 2 reminds me of the cartoons. With that said, Hamlet 2 tries to embrace every awkward subject no one wants to talk about and made it into a musical. "Rock Me Sexy Jesus" is a great song but can be very offensive to others.

Anyway, the movie is not going to be the best movie in the decade but it sure is funny. Steve Coogan is not just your run-of-the-mill comedian, original and basking in awkwardness, you just don't see a lot of them anymore. Actually, pulling off a comedy based on awkwardness is very rare and some actors are really good at it even though they don't exert an effort.

Great movie, funny plot, awesome music.

9/10

Wiki (warning spoilers)

Flash Review: Strange Wilderness

I don't understand critics or may I just don't understand what a good movie should be. Anyway, Strange Wilderness is a movie which stars Steve Zahn. I think this movie (along with Management) cements his reputation that he's better off as a sidekick rather than main character.

But his awkwardness and scene stealing function as a side kick is what makes Strange Wilderness a good movie to watch on a weekend. The plot is pretty hazy but it's basically on finding Bigfoot - hilarity ensues.

Overall, the movie doesn't disappoint. I like it that there's no mushy moments in a comedy. The ending is really, really weird though.

7/10

wiki

Flash Review: Stan Helsing

Stan Helsing is a movie made by one of the directors Scary Movie. Based on the title, you will know that it's a spoof of something. I first thought it was sequel (hehehehe) but c'mon. Anyway, I was expecting that the movie could be another "Disaster Movie".

But as I was watching the movie, it does have something unique. It's a bit scary, but funny. Unfortunately, it's not really funny that will make you remember the jokes. There are times that it could be funny but it's a very simple story.

Here's a story in case you see the reviews and would jump into the "yeah it's a bad movie before I saw it" bandwagon: He's Stan Helsing, mistaken for Van Helsing so he's forced to fight the horror movie characters. You figure it out who wins.

Not much can be said but it's a good movie. Oh there's one more thing: Leslie Nielsen is still funny in this movie.

6/10

Flash Review: Road Trip: Beer Pong

The original Road Trip is one of the funniest R-Rated movie I have ever seen. With that said, the expectations for the Direct to DVD sequel is high.

Although you'll never be completely disappointed, the movie is tad slower and less funnier compared to the original Tom Green fueled movie.

The movie revolves around a guy, well known for Beer Pong goes on a trip. That's it. Other things such as girls, nudity, drinking and effects of drinking revolves around the simple premise.

If you really, really like the first Road Trip and want to pay tribute, then this movie is for you. If you don't care - you're just wasting your time.

DJ Qualls is back on the sequel and takes on Tom Green's role in the first movie. If I'm not mistaken, he gets to make out with the same mom.

Flash Review: Ilsa, She Wold of the SS

Warning to the squimish: this movie is not for you.

Ilsa, is a Nazi Exploitation film released in the 70s. I finally go the time to watch the movie at home. Alone. Because no one seems interested in a hot chick with more hot girls with the German accent.

Anyway, does a great job in making you squimish a bit...and a lot if you're not familiar with exploitation type films such as Cannibal Holocaust, and August Underground series. The rest is not that impressive.

I'll give you a small spoiler: the captured people staged a revolt and fight ensues. This is actually the fun part as you see a lot of shooting but not much blood. Weird for an exploitation movie.

5/10

Wiki (warning spoilers)

Quick Review of The Good, Bad and the Ugly

I can't say that the movie is the best western movie ever made. But it's sure is very entertaining. The reason I saw this movie again was that I was a bit bored and I want some good old fashion shootout. The final scene is really worth the build up. Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef, and Eli Wallach are really good in this film and they all stay in their supposed to be characters (based on the title) 'till the end.

It's a spaghetti western recommended for everyone. Some can complain that it's too long...we'll it's a practice of expanding your attention span.

8/10

Flash Review: The Haunted World of El Superbeasto

I'm a big fan of Rob Zombie - music, movies and now...animation. Based on his eccentric comic book, "The Haunted World of El Superbeasto" is an animation not for kids, and some adults. The animation is great, voice is impressive but I have that weird feeling that the voice is not natural. But it's part of the fun. The movie features El Superbeasto going against Dr. Satan. The rest is fighting with Nazi Zombies, intelligent monkey and lots and lots of nudity. Watch it but before you do it, make sure that there are no kids around.

Be sure to take notes on the music :) It's not Rob Zombie but will sure to tickle your musical skulls.
9/10

Quick Review: Bruno

"Bruno" is Sasha Baron Cohen's shock mockumentary similar to "Borat". He prides himself as an Austrian fashion guru who wanted to be popular in US.

I have to say, I am very disappointed with the movie. I was expecting similar to "Borat" wherein his exploits are personal. Yes, he humiliated some people in the movie but it's not awkward compared to this movie. The movie is just full of homosexual explicit talk that can easily make you uncomfortable.

But still, the movie has some funny parts. Unfortunately, it's just not good enough.

2/10

Lightning Review: The Cleveland Show

The Cleveland Show is the Spin-off of Family Guy. The setting is actually a bit in the future wherein Cleveland finally moves out of Quahog because his wife got the house. Along with Cleveland Jr., he sets off a new life in his hometown.

One thing you'll notice in Cleveland show is the lack of random flashbacks. This might be a tricky move for McFarlane but could be a good thing since you really don't want to push the audience to a Family Guy-like experience. But the formula is almost the same: A family, weird neighbors and a talking animal. This time, the animal is their neighbor bear - complete with family.

First two episodes are great. Hope they keep it up :)

Wiki site

Official Page

Lightning Review of Archer TV Series on FX

Archer is a new animation series from FX. It's about an agent with the same last name.

The first 5 minutes is actually a bit boring because of character introductions. But after a few minutes, things just started to really get interesting. The animation is not top notch but it's done in purpose to make me (watchers) understand the story.

There are two characters to watch out for: Archer and his Mom. Sexually depraved and equally crazy, their banter is what you should look out for every season.

Hopefully, FX will try Archer for one season as animation fans will surely like this series. Maybe more characters will come out in the following episodes.

Wiki link

Official FX Site

Flash Review "District 9"

I read so much about District 9 in Wired.com that I opted to watch it.
The poster in movie house warned that kids might not like the images
because they were shaky. Given that it's a documentary/movie, they are
forgivable.

Honestly, I can't believe that the movie has reputedly on a limited
budget. The story is highly unique, although it was based on the
District 6 on the same place. The effects is one of the best I've seen
and you'll be surprised that there are too many stories to be told.

In short, the movie is a must see for everyone. Even though you're not
a sci-fi nut, there is always going to be something for you.

9/10

Year One Lightning Review

I was very fortunate to watch Year One. Now that I've said that you already know what I think about the movie.

Year one is not a movie for everyone...fortunately, I'm part of the group that likes the move. It's a simple comedy that requires you to listen carefully so that you can laugh. The side comments of Michael Cera and Jack Black are actually the most hilarious part of the movie. Maybe that's why the critics don't like many parts of the movie. The main characters talk - a lot and their exchanges are funny.

With that said, the movie is recommended for those who wants good comedy. But I don't think the movie is good for kids...even for teens :)

8/10

Official Site

IMBD

Wiki (Warning: Spoilers)

KTF Earphone Review

Purchased this small add-on for my phone 2 Weeks ago for PHP99.00 or $2.00 from a popular china (Read:knock off) phones and MP3/MP4 players.

The difference of this earphone is the jack size. Instead of the usual 3.5mm, it comes with 2.5mm but it doesn't have any mic. It easily fits to the ear and adjustment is very simple. You should be able to use this without any problem in your mobile phone.

Unfortunately, the sound quality is not good. It's almost on mono-sound even though the left and right configuration of sounds are obsrerved. The difference of sound could be easily observed when playing music with a strong bass or drums. Cranking the sound to 100% or the highest volume possible will have cracking sounds.

On the other hand, this earphone is perfect for podcasts. The voice is very clear. But aside from that, it's a pretty bad earphone.

Good: it's cheap
Bad: the sound quality, can't handle full volume

Movie Review: Snow White (The Sequel)

If you're expecting the classic snow white story, you're definitely wrong.

This is an "adult only" animation. Although the text come in French (or is it Italian?), the words are spoken in English.

The story starts with the Prince and Snow White moving in together. But the prince has to do some stuff. The rest is for you to watch. Along the way you'll see the Ogre, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood (and the Wolf), Beauty and the Beast and the very old Fairy God Mother.

It's a complete deconstruction of Snow White. You'll be able to have a great time watching this. Highly recommended (but for adults only).

(Image above taken from the movie and one of the posters)

Magnolia Chicken Sotanghon

Let me get this straight...this is not your average Sotanghon. I bumped into this food yesterday and I opted to try it for review. I'm a fan of food especially the instant ones since they made my life a lot better although less healthier.

But this one may have pushed the envelope too far.

Magnolia Chicken Sotanghon is an sotanghon guisado. Inside you'll have the standard sotanghon noodles mixed with yakisoba noodles. There's meat and sauce that are added after you boil the sotanghon or at least place the noodles in hot water. Preparation could be compare to instant pancit canton.

The taste? Not so good. I'm always a big fan of noodles but this one is definitely an ill-concieved concept. It doesn't taste like the sotanghon guisado I like one bit. The instant version should at least have that slight reminder of the food.

The price? Not so good as well. For more than PHP20, it's not worth it.

My recommendations? Add Kalamansi to improve its taste or prepare it as dry as possible. But you're better off with an instant yakisoba which is a lot cheaper

HP iPAQ Voice Messenger 512 Review

HP iPAQ Voice Messenger 512

After 8 months of using this phone, I finally found the time and patience to review my phone.

This phone is the Asian version of HP iPAQ Voice Messenger 510 (US).

The feature so the phone is very impressive: Bluetooth, Wifi, WM6 (not 6.1), expandable memoray (up to 2G).

But it lacks the necessary power to handle these features - with 128mb of ram, you can only add two applications in the phone to ensure it still works.

It's a candybar phone, impressive speaker, 2.5mm jack (although the headset is not included in the package).


Don't expect the voice messenger to work well. Although it's an impressive feature at the start (bragging rights), you'll forge that the function is even there.

Overall, the phone will help you in your basic phone needs - call, text, listening to music and watching videos. BUt don't expext extreme functionality. It's 128mb makes it very limited.

Price of the phone is within the $150 range (no contract) so it's a pretty good deal for a wide range of functions.

Movie Review: Sex Drive

I never thought I'll be doing a movie review...but this movie just inspired me to do so.

Sex Drive (not the Filipino movie) is a teenage movie about a kid that has to go on a road trip just to meet a girl online. That's basically the plot but there are a good number of stories along the way.

I already watched the original...but the unrated version is just way better. It's not the usual DVD uncut where you see more profanity. It's an uncut version that even included some of the takes. Just like they said in the introduction. Watch the original first before the unrated version...

The unrated version is nearly two hours...so get your favorite snack ready for this cool movie. Watch out for Seth Green and the FOB cameo.

Review the Review: 5800 XpressMusic by Nokia

There are times that I will be reviewing gadgets that are way too expensive for my budget. My solution? Review those who have reviewed. This week, we'll take a look at the highly anticipated 5800 XpressMusic by Nokia. There are two popular online articles you should check out if you want a detailed review of the mobile phone: Yugatech.com and Technogra.ph.

Their impressions of the mobile phone is pretty much the same. At the price of PHP19,990, the enjoyment anyone could have in this touchscreen phone by Nokia is worth it. The only difference of their review is that Yugatech viewed it as a consumer while Technogra viewed it as a potential buyer. One thing I noticed though is that Technogra noted the TV-out while Yuga missed it.

Check out their reviews. They are very detailed and would give an honest opinion on the mobile phone. For me, even before I read those reviews, I am already bugged my mom about the phone. "Maybe in December" she says.

Food Review: Batchoy and Rice in a Box

(Note: Since I have to review anything, that includes food. It's a personal view but I try to keep my palettes as universal as possible.)

For this week, we'll take a look at two popular foods that I and most Ilonggos like: Batchoy and Rice Toppings.

There are two popular batchoy houses in the city - Deco's and Ted's La Paz batchoy. Deco's claim that before the time Ted's established its name on the popular menu, Deco's was already there. Personally, I haven't seen them before they were revived by the owners of Mang Inasal.

Comparing Decos and Ted's is almost unfair. Each Batchoy has a distinct taste which caters to a specific market. Ted's traditional taste always hits the spot. The right combination of meat, liver and other components makes the money worth it. I really love the smell of Ted's when you enter their Batchoy houses - the smell of the "caldo" is better than anywhere I've ever been.

On the other hand, Deco's appeal is largely based on the fact that its the original. But instead of being traditional, the ambiance was upped a little bit. The seats are more cushy, the service counters are modern and they even have free wifi but I don't dare use my laptop on Decos since I don't want any caldo to spill on my computer while I eat there. For the taste, I think their unique formula really appeals to some people. Concentration on the liver and other intestines is emphasized there so if you compared Decos with Teds, Teds is a little sweet while Decos has that flavor distinct yet enjoyable flavor.

Now on to the next show...rice in a box.

If I'm not mistaken, there are two rice in a box stalls in the city. The one that concentrates on cooking right after your order or the precooked ones. The precooked rice in the box (in picture) is found in Robinsons in front of a Magazine stand, ground floor. For only PHP39.00 you get to choose chicken, pork or beef mixed with oriental and filipino sauces.

The other rice in a box is found in Atrium wherein it's a mixture of vegetables such as carrots and peas while adding patis, salt and msg. The flavor differs from the fact that it adds some flavoring. The price is almost the same but they do have a variety based on the flavor.

There you have it. Two meals found in Iloilo. Suggest foods that I have to try. I can be a ginuea pig with a big stomach :)

Three Office Tools to Consider

Years ago, the only way you could write office documents was through the mighty MS Office - Your MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel and other products. Sure you have notepad and wordpad but they don't do anything in terms of customization.

Honestly, MS Office is probably the best product Microsoft has to office to its consumers - next to XP. Vista, Windows Live, Messenger, Hotmail and other products can't even be at par with the popularity of MS Office. The sole reason why MS Office is working well and popular is because it has the ability to improve. Want proof? BUY the latest Office 2007 and judge for yourself. A little bit complicated at first but better eventually.

If there's one disadvantage on MS Office - its money. If you don't have any money, tough luck because you can't have this application.

That is why two office products, AbiWord and OpenOffice are viable alternative.

Some say that OpenOffice is better. Yes, because they're free but charge people for it and they will probably go sour on the product. That is also the same with AbiWord. However, AbiWord is a special case since they really don't have the hype so they should be free.

There's actually one function that OpenOffice and AbiWord should work on to be at par with MS Office and that function is Word Count. Yes the ALT > T > W function for word count. MS Office only use CNTRL C and Office 2007 even updates you as you write. You might think that this function is not important but talk to writers and they can attest they are actually paranoid if they can't reach 10,000 words or something.

AbiWord and OpenOffice guys: improve word count function please and don't just present it as a plug-in. It's too complicated.

Blu-Ray in Iloilo Spotted

The thought of having Blu-Ray players at home is still a relatively obscure concept for me. I already have a DVD player and I'm already enjoying the resolution. I mean, c'mon, why do you really want it to be that crisp and clear. It's just disappointing to see the laugh lines and stretch marks of our favorite stars.

Anyway, I spotted a Blu-Ray player here in our city. Nope, I'm not talking about the Sony PlayStation 3. I'm talking about stand alone Blu-Ray player. The cost: a whopping 39,000.

There are two problems here in the Iloilo City. Please correct me if I'm wrong:

First: There are no Blu-Ray discs here. I don't think Blu-Ray is compatible with DVDs.
Second: With the same price, you can get a powerful PlayStation 3. It's a gaming console and Blu-Ray player rolled into one.

But the good news is that this signals that something better is coming to the city. Hopefully it will not cost me my limb in the future.

Astone UMPC review

When I read that Astone is dropping their UMPC to PHP10,000.00, I immediately scrapped all my money to get this baby. After a few days of transaction, I finally got my Astone.

Packaging

PC Corner is not only efficient in selling great computers but also great with packaging. You can practically place water inside and it will never leak. For Astone's packaging, what you'll get is a lame user's manual, CD driver, power adapter and another adapter for video out, the UMPC is securely placed in a styro but I had never have a problem taking it out.

First Impressions

Except for the battery, everything else is pieced together really tight. I don't know why but my battery is a little bit movable but this has never affected the battery's performance.

Using the UMPC

The tiny keyboard is no problem for me. It may take a day or two to get used to it but if you use this for two to three hours a day you'll get used to it. The challenge though is in the mouse pad which is really, really small that I have to constantly life my fingers to move the mouse to the other side of the monitor. By the way the monitor is just ok and didn't have any problem at all.

Software

Astone came with 30-day evaluation period for XP which was provided by the local distributor.

Speed

Start-up is really slow but once it's stable, the applications will work without any problem. What I found weird though is the inability of the UMPC to handle too many tasks at once. Multi tasking with two applications running in the background push place your UMPC into screeching halt.

Touchscreen, Bluetooth

Yep, Astone even with its price is a touchscreen UMPC with Bluetooth. The pointer goes with the pen before the command is being executed. By the way, the webcam is located on the left side of the application.

So should you buy it?

If you have an extra budget, you can get this gadget a shot. But that will only happen if you already have another laptop that will be used at home. This should be your companion on the road. With the price of 10,000, this laptop is already a steal.

UPDATE: The XP Bundled UMPC will cost you an additional 2k.