EDITOR'S PICK 



SHERLOCK HOLMES
(Warner Bros.)

Director: Guy Ritchie
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams,

In a dynamic new portrayal of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most famous characters, “Sherlock Holmes” sends Holmes and his stalwart partner Watson on their latest challenge. Revealing fighting skills as lethal as his legendary intellect, Holmes will battle as never before to bring down a new nemesis and unravel a deadly plot that could destroy the country.

FINAL WORD - Though the film isn't a direct adaptation of the Sherlock Holmes classics we all have come to know (and love), this is definitely 'the' film Guy Richie was born to make. Ritchie's take on the film is essentially his own - filled with scenes that gives nods to his previous body of work (think Lock Stock and Snatch). Some might argue that the director has taken the Holmes and Watson relationship too far in the film, but it is the chemistry between the two male leads is what makes this film work. Throw in complicated breakdown of crime scenes and a well rounded plot - makes this one of the better films of the year.



THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG
(Disney)

Director: John Musker, Ron Clements
Cast: Anika Noni Rose, John Goodman, Keith David, Jim Cummings

Walt Disney Animation Studios presents the musical THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG, an animated comedy set in the great city of New Orleans. From the creators of "The Little Mermaid" and "Aladdin" comes a modern twist on a classic tale, featuring a beautiful girl named Tiana (ANIKA NONI ROSE), a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again, and a fateful kiss that leads them both on a hilarious adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana. 

THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG marks the return to hand-drawn animation from the revered team of John Musker and Ron Clements, with music by Oscar®-winning composer Randy Newman

FINAL WORD - A nice reimagining of the classic tale with a twist. The voice cast is spot on, with great performances from Anika Noni Rose and John Goodman. A well rounded film that will sit well with everyone in the family. Definitely one of the better animated features released in the last year.





THIS IS IT
(BVCT)

Director: Kenny Ortega
Cast: Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London's O2 Arena. Chronicling the months from April through June, 2009, the film is produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show. Audiences will be given a privileged and private look at Jackson as he has never been seen before. In raw and candid detail, Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT captures the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius and great artist at work as he creates and perfects his final show. The film is directed by Kenny Ortega, who was both Michael Jackson's creative partner and the director of the stage show.

A nice insight into King of Pop as he prepared for what would be his grand return to the big stage. One can't help feel a little sad, after the film - sad because Jackson (the consumate performer) would never be able to bask in all the glory of this film.





CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS
(BVCT)

Director: Chris Miller, Phil Lord
Cast: Bill Hader, Anna Faris, James Caan, Bruce Campbell

Inspired by Ron and Judi Barrett's beloved children's book of the same name, CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS follows inventor Flint Lockwood (voice of Bill Hader) and brainy weathergirl Sam Sparks (voice of Anna Faris) as they attempt to discover why the rain in their small town has stopped while food is falling in its place. Meanwhile, lifelong bully Brent (voice of Adam Samberg) relishes in tormenting Flint just as he did when they were kids, and Mayor Shelbourne (voice of Bruce Campbell) schemes to use Flint's latest invention--a device designed to improve everyone's lives--for his own personal gain. Mr. T. voices by-the-books cop Earl Devereaux, and James Caan voices Flint's technophobe father, Tim. Though not up to par with animated flicks from PIXAR, the film is entertaining. A movie that the kids will enjoy.

  EDITOR'S PICK 

I AM... SASHA FIERCE
Beyonce
(SONY BMG)
I am…Sasha Fierce offers two compelling sides of the singer. The two disc-set symbolically portray Beyonce as a romantic, soft, and vulnerable woman, but when the music is on, she is all aggressive, sensual, and of course, fierce. The first two singles from each disc were released simultaneously (‘If I Were a Boy’ and ‘Single Ladies’), to demonstrate her contrast personae. The single ‘If I Were a Boy’ is an easy hit song as people can easily relate to its heartbreaking lyrics. Other than that, ‘Ave Maria’ and ‘Halo’ are lovely to listen too in the “Beyonce” disc.

In the other hand, on ‘Sasha’, several of the high-gloss bangers such as ‘Diva’, ‘Video Phone’ and ‘Radio’ are equal to its single debut ‘Single Ladies’. With all the dramatic approach that Beyonce used including to put front two discs set, some might argue that there’s little in the lyrics that feel more revealing than any other emotional songs that she had already produced. The album might not be as bomb as its predecessor, but with all the money that she has, she can always try again. – FARHANA SALAM



CIRCUS
Britney Spears
(SONY BMG)
It is very tempting for us to listen to Britney Spears album whenever she makes one. She had never fails to impress us with her collection of pop songs. Even though she is the reigning princess of controversy, however, nobody can ever argue that she is and will always be a pop princess. Hence, when Circus comes out, the pop world feels like it is complete again.

Britney put front her two debut singles ‘Womanizer’ and ‘Circus’. She looks better than ever in both of the singles. Some might argue that both of the singles might echo the previous singles ‘Piece of Me’ and ‘Gimme More’, but seriously who cares? Circus is definitely more accessible and stronger, and it has Britney-is-back-stamp all over it. Tracks such as ‘Womanizer’, ‘Shattered Glass’, and ‘Kill the Lights’ can easily fill the dance floor. Albeit the fact that the lyrics still comprise the aura of a 24/7 celebrity under pressure, nevertheless, Circus is even better than the previous Blackout. - FARHANA SALAM


VIVA LA VIDA OR DEATH AND ALL HIS FRIENDS
Coldplay
(Parlophone/EMI)

With an album & song title inspired by one of the artworks from the great Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, Coldplay's much-awaited fourth studio album Viva La Vida or Death and His Friends can best be described as a monumental, artistical piece of sheer musical genius and brilliance. It's a mark of incredible triumph for Chris Martin, Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland and Wil Champion, the quartet that formed Coldplay and moves the British alternative pop rock band to greater heights since their 2000 debut Parachutes. Coldplay diehards have no need to fear of the bands' departure from their usual sound - all the plangent chords, trademark piano hooks, emotive melodies, stadium-rock rhythms and universal lyrical concerns synonymous with the band remain in the first two singles - "Viva La Vida" and the haunting "Violet Hill" but for the rest of the songs in the 10-track album, it's a mesmerising blend of Eastern and Latin American sounds infused with religious and political themes. Literally half of the tracks evoke haunting images of death, war, God and religion - such as the atmoshperic "Cemeteries of London" and "42" which has lyrical references to ghosts and heaven. The title and the album cover artwork should provide more than enough clues as it is for listeners on what to expect of this album but never could one imagine the emotional impact it'll do to one's being listening to the entire 45-minutes of the album. In a year that has been ravaged by disasters, death and catastrophes, this album could yet be 2008's most defining album yet.

SPIRIT
Leona Lewis
(Sony BMG)

It is hard to deny the fact that TV talent show alumnis have it hard when they try to break into the music industry with their debut albums. While they may have won the hearts of TV fans and reality-TV show junkies, most real music fans are less than impressed. Take for example American Idol rejects like Bo Bice, Katherine McPhee and winners like Ruben Studdard and Fantasia Barrino - all no doubt have the talent but the music they produced are often bland, half-hearted and any genuine feeling or quality.

Unfortunately, the same fate seemed to have fallen on Leona Lewis, winner of Britain's reality TV singing contest X-Factor Season 3. Her debut album, Spirit is anything but 'spirited'. Her first single from the album, "Bleeding Love" may have risen to the top of the US Hot 100 Singles charts, making the song the first U.S. number one song (debut or not) by a solo British female since Kim Wilde more then 20 years prior and is technically a great song, but it's the only song from the album that Lewis' vocal talents shone through.

Although her true first single was actually "A Moment Like This", that was released back in December 2006, it's a shame that the single was not included in this album except as a bonus track in the UK edition. That track encapsulates what Leona Lewis is like - a mish mash between the balladry of Mariah Carey and the soulful voice range of Whitney Houston or Alicia Keys. "Bleeding Love" is proves that point, a song that was written for her by OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder and pop singer Jesse McCartney and produced by Tedder. Since it's release, the song was a frequently requested and played song on the airwaves.

It's unfortunate then, that the rest of the album fails to live up to her talent - it's not really a bad album but it seems Lewis has trouble finding her footing on the path she wants to go. Spirit is a strange blend of music genres - there's a so-so soul/gospel performance with "Whatever It Takes", a mediocre ballad with "Footprints In the Sand" and a R&B collaboration with Ne-Yo on "I'm You" - and neither really demonstrates Lewis' talent and vocal range. It's fortunate on her part that "Bleeding Love" was released first, otherwise, her efforts would not have been as well received.

She's already working on her second album, let's hope she raises her standards with a more "spirited" album than this one.

  EDITOR'S PICK 



THE HILLS
(MTV (Astro Channel 712))
(Thursdays, 11:00pm beginning March 5th, 2009)

MTV's pseudo reality drama THE HILLS returns with it's fourth season. Watch as more drama ensues between LC and Heidi, plus catch a preview of the show's spin-off THE CITY with Whitney Port.

THE HILLS (Season 4) premieres on MTV on Thursday, March 5th, at 11.00pm.



2009 OSCARS
(StarWorld (ASTRO Channel 711))
(Monday, 8am on Feb 23rd, 2009)

It's been a fantastic year for movies. Watch as the Motion Picture Association of America honor the best works of the industry. Hosted for the first time by actor Hugh Jackman, the awards will be broadcast LIVE from the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, California.

TIP: For fans of Hollywood's biggest night, also make sure you tune into E! channel's coverage of the red carpet arrivals live.

Check out www.oscar.com for the full list of this year's nominees!



CHEF AT HOME
(Asian Food Channel (ASTRO Channel 703))
(Thurdays, 8:00pm beginning Feb 19th,, 2009)

Watch as chef Michael Smith invites you into his home kitchen and shows you how to create uncomplicated, tasty meals for your family and friends. This unique series inspires and empowers home cooks to improvise in their kitchens, venture beyond recipes, and instinctively create simple, yet flavourful food.

CHEF AT HOME premieres on AFC (Astro Channel 703) starting Feb 19th, 2009 at 8:00pm..



UGLY BETTY
(8tv (Astro Channel 708))
(Tuesdays, 9.30pm beginning Feb 10th, 2009)

Betty Suarez moves out of her family's home in Queens and gets a spankin' new apartment in New York City. She soon discovers a possible new love interest in her new neighbour - the brooding indie musician Jessie. Betty's not the only one who finds love, as sister Hilda falls for her son's high school coach. Meanwhile, things at Meade Publications heat up as Wilhemina continues to scheme her way to take control of the publishing empire. Season 3 makes up for the slack that was Season 2, with lots of twists and surprises!

UGLY BETTY airs every Tuesdays at 8:30pm on 8tv (Astro Channel 708)

  EDITOR'S PICK 

THE HOST
Stephanie Meyer
(Little, Brown & Co.)
From the author of the phenomenally successful teen vampire saga called "Twilight", comes her maiden plunge into the adult novel realm called "The Host". A supernatural alien romance, Meyer's first adult novel is set in a futuristic world where humans have been overtaken by a species of intelligent alien parasites, assuming control of the minds and bodies of their human hosts. However, there are those who have the courage and strength to resist these parasites from taking control and Melanie Stryder is one of those who refuse to surrender. Overwhelming her alien host called Wanderer with visions and emotions towards a man named Jared, the one she loves, her alien host actually succumbs to her desire to search for this man Jared. Together, they set off on an adevnture that takes them across a dangerous Earth, sparking off what is an unlikely love triangle between two human bodies and one alien soul! Ingenius writing, at times dark and compelling and peppered with cunning wit, Meyer successfully delivers her first adult novel with much aplomb, leaving readers wanting more. This book is a must read for sci-fi fans seeking a different yet refreshing take on the genre.



ODD HOURS
Dean Koontz
(Bantam)

Master thriller Dean Koontz returns with the fourth book on the saga of one man named Odd Thomas, a fry cook, who is as strange and odd as his name. This is because he possess the gift of seeing dead people, and feeling compassion for them, Odd is compelled to help these poor souls. In "Odd Hours", intuition has brought him to the quaint, little coastal town called Magic Beach, where he finds work with a former movie actor and author of children's books. Haunted by a dream of an encompassing red tide, Odd is about to face the most difficult and profound challenge in his life yet, and he must act quickly before everything he holds dearly perish at the hands of a great evil. Like all of the "Odd" books in the series, which began with "Odd Thomas", "Forever Odd" and then "Brother Odd", "Odd Hours" is another wickedly delicious page turner that wil make you grip your book so tight in suspense that your knuckles' will turn white! Memorable, colourful characters abound with a fast-paced plot and great piece of writing, Koontz has cooked up the best Odd Thomas novel yet!

THE POST-AMERICAN WORLD
Fareed Zakaria
(W. W. Norton)

Rather than ranting about the decline of America in a post 9/11 world, Newsweek editor and popular pundit Fareed Zakaria, who is also the author of "The Future of Freedom", has written an immensely enjoyable new book on what he believes to be a bright, promising future for not only the US, but for the rest of the world in the 21st century. Incredibly optimistic and thought-provoking, Zakaria believes that despite its record of recent blunders at home and abroad, America will stay strong, buoyed by a stellar educational system and the influx of young immigrants, who should give the U.S. a more youthful demographic than Europe and much of Asia, whose workers support an increasing population of unproductive elderly. Nevertheless, he says in this book that the 21st century will see the "rise of the rest", specifically China and India, that these two will emerge as new superpowers and America may no longer be the sole power who dictates global policies and make important decisions. This is a lucid, bare-as-bones appraisal of world affairs, a rare gem of a book which no doubt will engage readers on both sides of the political spectrum. It doesn't matter if you share in Zakaria's optimism for a bright future ahead, this book should give its readers a sense of hope that impending changes to come will benefit the world.

CHASING HARRY WINSTON
Lauren Weisberger
(Simon & Schuster)

Lauren Weisberger, author of "The Devil Wears Prada" and "Everyone Worth Knowing" returns to form with a brand new novel that centres around three female BFFs (that's 'best friends forever' to the uninitiated) living in one of the best cities in the world - New York. Emmy, Leigh and Adriana are great friends who have vowed to love and support each other to the end. So when Emmy's failed to walk down the aisle after her boyfriend dumped her for her personal trainer, the friends rallied around her. One night, at an inn, both Adriana and Emmy decided to make a pact - within a single year, each will drastically change her life. Leigh watches from the sidelines, not making any promises, but she'll soon discover she has the most to lose. Their friendship is forever, but everything else is on the table. Three best friends. Two resolutions. One year to pull it off. Will they succeed? Billed as very Sex in the City-esque, Weisberger makes a departure from the style of writing she used in "The Devil Wears Prada", which offers her the chance to explore and develop her writing abilities. While she still has a powerful keen sense of observation, she managed to flesh out three very interesting characters and offers us readers a glimpse into the fast paced lifestyle of three single city girls with the world open to their explorations. A fun and exciting novel, this is chick-lit at its best.

  EDITOR'S PICK 

A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING
Tickets: RM48, RM58 & RM68
(The Canticle Singers)

Showtimes: 8.30pm (July 16 - 20) and 3.00pm (July 19 & 20).

Venue: Lambang Sari, Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur (Location Map)

Come experience a joyful celebration and fusion of some of Broadway’s greatest music and acclaimed pop, rock, folk, jazz and gospel hits; with music ranging from ABBA to Schonberg. Revel with Mama Mia, whistle along with Oliver, stroll through Anatevka with Fiddler on the Roof, find your rainbow with The Wizard of Oz, groove through Earth Wind & Fire's September, soar over Rome with Light in the Piazza, roar delightfully with Lion King, rock with Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody, be captivated by Miss Saigon, mesmerized by Sweeney Todd and more.

The Canticle Singers will take you on a passionate journey spanning several decades, from the 1920s to the present day, moving through a musical kaleidoscope and enjoying an ecletic anthology of songs and choral selections from distinguished stage and screen productions, billboards and pop charts that will keep you humming well after the show.

Get your tickets from www.axcess.com.my.