EDITOR'S PICK 



TRANSFORMERS: THE REVENGE OF THE FALLEN
(UIP)

Director: Michael Bay
Cast: Shia LaBouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Jon Turterro, Tyrese Gibson

Set two years after Sam Whitwickey's encounter with the Autobots, the sequel to director Michael Bay's box-office smash is packed with explosions, cheesy one-liners and yes, lots of skin from token bombshell Megan Fox. Before he can settle into campus life, Sam gets thrown into the Autobots' attempt to foil the Decepticon's plot for revenge. A newly resurrected Megatron is angrier than ever - and is after some Autobot grease.

Bay proves that he can bring the fire, but other than that, the movie is a dud. Underwhelming, confusing and about thirty minutes too long, TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN only confirms that Bay has lost his touch for storytelling. With too many simultaneous story lines, characters in the film are left looking shallow and detached from the plot. Attempts at introducing new robots in the film only comes off as annoying and silly. Only watch this film if you want to see how "not" to make a summer blockbuster movie.

TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN opened in cinemas on 24 December 2009.



STATE OF PLAY
(UIP)

Director: Kevin MacDonald
Cast: Russell Crowe, Helen Mirren, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, Jason Bateman

Based on the BBC miniseries of the same name, STATE OF PLAY stars Russell Crowe as Cal McCaffrey, an old-school-style journalist working for the Washington Globe. He begins to investigate the death of a young woman who was the research assistant and mistress of his friend Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck), an ambitious congressman whose career is likely ruined when his affair is revealed. Joined by young political blogger Della Frye (Rachel McAdams), Cal races against time and deadlines to solve the murder, which may be only a small part of a much larger crime.

A nice update on the usual political drama, with a modern take on how media gets scooped by the regular everyday blogger - and how information is disseminated to the public. A stellar cast, with Mirren stealing every scene she is in. Good alternative to all the summer flicks showing now.

STATE OF PLAY opened in cinemas nationwide on 18 June 2009





MONSTERS VS. ALIENS
(UIP)

Director: Conrad Vernon & Rob Lettterman
Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogen, Hugh Laurie, Stephen Colbert

When a radioactive meteor hurtles into Susan Murphy (voiced by Reese Witherspoon) on her wedding day, she is transformed into a towering, platinum-haired giant. Taken away by the government and dubbed "Ginormica," Susan is introduced to other scientific oddities, including the amphibious Missing Link (Will Arnett), the dim blob B.O.B. (Seth Rogen), and the brilliant, bug-headed Dr. Cockroach (Hugh Laurie). These "monsters" are released from captivity when a massive alien robot sent by the scheming Gallaxhar (Rainn Wilson) appears in San Francisco and clearly does not come in peace. With little time to adjust to her new stature, Susan must learn to work with her strange allies to avoid an all-out extraterrestrial invasion.

Co-directed by Rob Letterman (SHARK TALE) and Conrad Vernon (SHREK 2) for DreamWorks Studios, this enjoyable animated production riffs on 1950s sci-fi movies while also playfully referencing everything from DR. STRANGELOVE to CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND. The vocal talent, which also includes Stephen Colbert as a daft, keyboard-playing American president, is top-notch, adding plenty of personality to the super-sized visuals and eye-popping effects. Conveying an easy-going sense of humor that will delight kids and amuse adults, MONSTERS VS. ALIENS is fun family fare that is sure to leave everyone thoroughly entertained.

MONSTERS VS. ALIENS opened in cinemas nationwide on June 4th, 2009



17 AGAIN
(GSC Distribution)

Director: Burr Steers
Cast: Zac Efron, Matthew Perry, Leslie Mann, Thomas Lennon

What would you do if you got a second shot at life? Class of 1989, Mike O'Donnell (Zac Efron) is a star on the high school basketball court with a college scout in the stands and a bright future. Class of 1989, Mike O'Donnell (Zac Efron) is a star on the high school basketball court with a college scout in the stands and a bright future in his grasp. But instead, he decides to throw it all away to share his life with his girlfriend Scarlet and the baby he just learned they are expecting.

Almost 20 years later, Mike's (Matthew Perry) glory days are decidedly behind him. His marriage to Scarlet (Leslie Mann) has fallen apart, he has been passed over for a promotion at work, his teenage kids think he is a loser, and he has been reduced to crashing with his high school nerd-turned-techno-billionaire best friend Ned (Thomas Lennon). But Mike is given another chance when he is miraculously transformed back to the age of 17. Unfortunately, Mike may look 17 again, but his thirtysomething outlook is totally uncool among the class of 2009.
And in trying to recapture his best years, Mike could lose the best things that ever happened to him.

17 Again opened in cinemas nationwide June 4th, 2009.

  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 

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.

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.

  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.