I N C E P T I O N (the ‘quick’ review)

stars: ****/5

Acting: 4.5/5

Effects: 4.5/5

Originality: 5/5

THE GOOD: If your smart, able to follows movies then you will be able to understand this movie. Stay open to everything until the last moments of the movie. Nolan’s effects and story line are  brilliantly translated through its A+ cast of actors who do a great job at playing their complex roles. There really is no flaw to Nolans story line which is what made this movie brilliant

THE BAD: Too much thinking. There’s so much going on that the audience really has to keep up with every detail Nolan puts forth.

QUOTE

“think of the world as something tiny. Yeah, there’s you and me and them, but ultimately, you are larger then life — your all that matters”

We’ll Always Have the Classics

As a kid, i never understood why people watched black and white movies. They were always slowly paced, dead beat with not substantial soundtrack — i just couldn’t stand them. My dad would always been siting on the couch watching a film on TCM. He would smile at me and say, “This is a classic. Watch this scene.” I never understood his interest.

One Saturday (and i remember this clearly), i remember coming downstairs and siting with my dad. Whether from the 1920′s to present day, i knew my actors. My dad told me the movie he was watching just started (A PLACE UNDER THE SUN), and said i should join him. He’d never seen before. Without complaint, i sat next to him and watched Montgomery Clift woo a poor girl. At first i payed more attention to Clift, who i found rather cute. Elizabeth Taylor showed up, and i noticed how gorgeous she looked in the picture. At that point i was drawn in. I began to see cinematography in a different frame.

There was this depth to the movie — the acting was better then any film i’d ever seen before. The way the actors looked at each other; the way Clift kept denying the murder and soon on drew me in. Did he kill the girl? Maybe — he didn’t save her when she was drowning. By the end of the movie i was awe struck.

From that day on A Place Under the Sun has been my favourite black and white movie.

Many people my age (18 years old) can’t stand the classics. Why? Well, i have no clue. Every time i watch these films i see acting that is so genuine. These movies were move then just about sex, action, violence and so forth — they were about the STORY. As AMC says: “Story matters here.” The focus was on the actors body movements and not what they really said.

Consider this film: THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES

The movie is about these 3 soldiers who return from war and try to return to their normal lives. There’s this one scene where Dana Andrews is walking around an Fighter Jet park. The scene is him getting on board and reliving a moment of his pas. His eyes are closed as he sits in the front, and sounds of war can be heard around him. This is scene is around 4 minutes long. I can’t explain it, but this is one of the best scenes ever written. The movie went on to win 10 academy awards.

These movies are classics because they will always been enjoyed by wide audiences. I suggest you take the time to watch a black and white classic.

The Beauty of the Classics (introduction)

Don’t get me wrong, i love movies. In fact, i was raised on them. While other kid were running around watching cartoons, my parents were teaching my older sister and i about the beauty that comes with watching a great film.

Unlike her, i instantly fell in love.

From drama’s such as Schindlers List, The Godfather, The Usual Suspects, to comedies with Richard Pryer i really began to teach myself about the actors, the art of cinematography, the different directors, and so forth.

You could say i’m a walking-talking-breathing movie buff.

My fathers favourite movies are Shawshank Redemption and Casablanca. As a kid i remember watching these to movies and not quite understanding any. Why is that dude asking the manager to go the bathroom? Paris? Aren’t they in Africa? Anyways. When i was 11, i came down and saw him watching Shawshank. There a sat with him, and immediately became engrossed. Shawshank is regarded as the best movie of all times — this i can agree with. The emotion Morgan Freeman brought to the character, and the overall plot of a man trying to integrate into society after being wrongfully accused really struck a tone within me.

This post, however, isn’t about present day movies. Rather, the old Classic black and White movies. However, i wanna give this topic its own post.

Favorite Black and White Movies in order (5):

1. A place in the sun

2. The best days of our lives (this too could be my #1)

3. Roman Holiday

4. Love affair (with Irene Dunne)

5. Father of the bride (original with Elizabeth Taylor)

“Always run the money, never let it run you”

Alrighty! So like many of my savvy friends i want to live away from my parents. My dad is completely open to the idea of sending his two girls away for a year to stay in Downtown toronto. The only issue is pricing. And although he makes around $300 000 a year and is willing fork over $20 000 for rent for a year – we only need 8 months – his daughters are against the idea of their farther spending so much.

The Ryerson University logo

It’s your classic University scam. Why can’t we be like Europe where education is free.

Anyways. Heres the problem. My sister and I only need rent for 8 months. The issue is under relator law an owner must put out rent for a minimum of 1 yr. Brilliant, no? My sis and i do not have jobs. Firstly, she’s looking for one while I don’t plan to apply until my summer traveling is over.

I AM ADAMENT WHEN I SAY I ONLY NEED AID FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF UNIVERSITY — I WILL HAVE A JOB.

But i want residency. Not because i want to be away from my parents, but because i want to make my life easier. Imagine traveling in the winter, staying long hours in downtown toronto waiting for another class. What if my schedule is like this:

Class One: 12:00 – 2:00

Class Two: 5:00 – 7:00

Thats another problem with Ryerson University; they don’t give out schedules until orientation week — the last week of August.

Anyways. I’m really beginning to hate this university. Don’t get me wrong, Ryerson University has the best Journalism program in Ontario. How do i know? Well, ask the many students and professors and cbc correspondents who attended Carleton or Western or Toronto and switched for Ryerson. I remember for years i told myself i would be going into Ryerson. Their journalism program is competitive. You have to write an essay, complete an interview and portfolio of published work, and answer questions on the world. Yeah, its complex not to mention your overall average.

I remember going to the Toronto University Fair. How excited i was! I love little NIK NAKS and collecting books. I remember how proud my dad was when he saw me ask tough questions to the universities, and lectures my older — genius of a sister who got into UBC — that she should be more like me. Now, i’m a smart kid — my downfall is that i’m lazy to the bone. The dean of the University came up to a group of us waiting in line to ask the journalism professors questions. He was talking pretty loudly, so i figured i should listen to him. He said something that made me realize how serious getting into University was: “The biggest thing i can tell you is to ignore that entrance average. Yes, its 75% but trust me, we’re going to be taking those students in the high 80′s to low 90′s. Thats how competitive this program is.”

To this day (although its been a couple of months) i still wonder how i got in. I’m proud because i did work my butt off to get into a program that requires blood, sweat and tears. I made myself proud when i received early acceptance.

Anyways, back to my point. I want to be in toronto — when i’m downtown i feel alive. I feel at home. Bay st, Yonge, Dundas, Lakeshore, the entertainment district — these are places i love! Living in Brampton is fine and dandy, but like New York, Downtown is where its at.

So, now the big question. Is it worth spending tones of money on a residence? I want it, but i know its not fair on my parents to pay a heavy load. They’re, after all, covering my first year only.

Nothing like University to make one weary on spending. Whomever said that money can’t buy you happiness was idiot.

I guess i’ll have to wait a see what happens next.

The Guilt That Comes With Eating What You Shouldn’t

It seems every time I turn on the T.V., or watch some television show the #1 topic is diet. Eat this many calories, no – eat this and you’ll lose weight. I look at FASHION mag’s and they seem to be talking about some thin actress and how she managed to more lose weight. Only in North America – CANADA and the UNITED STATES – do people seem so in tuned with weight. I mean, in Europe people seem to actually enjoy eating what we here consider “bad.”

This really messes with the head.

This morning I went to my University in Downtown to pick up my RESP. I left at 8:30 a.m. and decided to eat breakfast there. I happen to see Wanda’s Belgium Waffles, and buy a dessert waffle. Its whip, a tiny waffle the size of your hand, and a bunch of strawberries with caramel sauce. Yum! Now trust me when I say I’m a very healthy eater. Seriously, there is nothing more I love then the gym. But today I felt like going all out. Once and awhile is not bad.

For lunch? Well, ½ a cup of oats with 80 cals vanilla yogurt, a bunch of fruits (grapes, strawberries, an apple). Delicious. For snack? Pain de Mie with Nutella. Pain de Mie is your classic French bread – 1 tablespoon of butter per serving. I had one.

After eating my snack, I got this feeling of “wow, what have I done?” Was it wrong for me to give into my guilty pleasure? Confused, I went to the mirror to check out if I’d gained anything. Stupid, no? The idea of not eating always comes to mind, but alas I love food too much to give it up. Plus, for the first time throwing it up like some stick model shot a bullet through my head – was I actually thinking of becoming bulimic? All because I ate something that perhaps has 300 cals?

Cals don’t matter to me, it’s the fat that I take to heart. But what happened to me there? Is society’s twisted ways taking an effect on me?

I need to further reflect.

What a crazy world we live in…

Viva La Futbol!

IS THERE ANYTHING MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN THE BEAUTIFUL GAME?

Well, of course not. One cannot deny how popular soccer is internationally. It’s a sport more loved then Hockey in Canada — certainly, that is true. Nevertheless, i’m going to use this post to reflect on the World Cup.

FIFA sure had some surprises. Firstly, the previous world cup leaders – ITALY and FRANCE failed to move into the round of 16. Why? To begin, Italy’s team was poorly set. Why have old players. It bothers me every time i hear an Italian fan tell me that their team has skill all because the won they World Cup in 2006. Italy: you won the world cup with no skill. Zidane gave you a red card and bam penalty came along.

Anyways, i fear i may be bashed if i continue (as a soccer fan, i could care less). As the world cup continued, fans watched as Portugal, Brazil, and Argentina dissolved into the backdrop. I didn’t expect Brazil to get ahead with a new team. They were brilliant, and Dunga coaching was good too. Only, i wished he used Kaka to the fullest.

Argentina, a team i personally love and greatly supported was the biggest let down. Throughout the tournament many agreed that if any team was likely to get into the finals, it would be Argentina. Look: Messi is one of the most engaging players to watch. The way he plays the ball is beautiful. However, Maradona chose not to use Messi as a striker, and left the defence weak too. The goalie wasn’t brilliant either. The play was never changed, and that made Germany challenging when the time came to play for the semi final match.

The Germans are a brilliant team. They play calm and with tactic. By covering Messi, they broke the team. The defence was destroyed, and the team was dissolved by the second goal.

What a heart breaking match for all Argentina fans.

Spain vs. Germany

What a game. If you want to see two teams that play professionally and authentically, watch Germany and Spain. Both teams are strong, calm, and play with a high level of skill. You wont see fouls, dives – these two teams display what real soccer is meant to be.

No one could say for certain who would win the game. If anything, these two teams displayed a final match. In the end Spain – the under dogs – won.

Netherlands vs. Spain.

A game that really was in favour with Spain – even the panel of animals agreed that Spain would be the victor of this game.

Annoying with Robbin constantly diving, the free kicks and yellow cards, the game truly had no rhythm. Nevertheless, going into over time many feared penalty – any true soccer fan would. Penalty displays no skill whatsoever. We wouldn’t want another “Italy” turn out.

Anyways. The game would have been memorable no matter who won. Think about it: two teams playing to win the cup for the first time. The Dutch were no doubt more eager as they have been to the finals twice with no win. Spain, being fresh from a Euro victory was excited to go for gold. In the end, Spain won deservingly.

Overall, this world cup was different. No city could have hosted it better then Africa. I saw something different: an Africa that was happy, proud – not poor children wondering the streets begging, poor houses etc. I saw cities and colours. Why is this stuff always hidden from the public eye? Maybe i’ll write a post about it…

Imagine the next world cup: we’re going to have young, amazing soccer teams. New, fresh, experienced faces will make 2014 FIFA memorable. This world cup saw some great players: Muller, Villa, Forlan (beautiful shots) and so forth.

I can’t wait for the next world cup in Brazil.

For sure, i’ll be there.

Your Not a Kid Anymore

There are certain things in grade 12 that are meant to make you realize that your not a kid anymore. The first sign that you are slowly transitioning into an adult world are those University offers and declines you begin to receive throughout 2nd semester. Secondly, the constant lectures from your teachers telling you, “Hey, remember guys your all competing against each other to get into university.” At this point, you begin looking around at your fellow classmates thinking, “Man, that kid certainly won’t be graduating this year.” As the year comes to a close, you begin to hear people saying that they are excited to be returning next year.

Yeah, right. Who would want to return for another year?

Finally, the party of all parties comes along — Prom. By this time, your coming to the conclusion that everyone will be going their own way in September.

Last day of school. Grade 12′s are everywhere taking pictures, pulling off pranks that get the school kicked outside for 1hr or so. Its the last day of your 12 years in school to do something completely crazy, fun, and to bond with those you adore.

Did school really end? I keep waking up to the idea that come this September 7, 2010 i’ll be starting high school. If feel as if i haven’t really graduated yet — that something was meant to happen, and yet it didn’t? Actually, come to think of it i have yet to officially graduate, since my commencement isn’t until October — thanksgiving weekend.

I think the biggest fear my friends and enemies alike had was the notion that now we will be on our own. As Indians, our parents always baby us like 2 year olds. As my grade 11 accounting teacher said, “We white parents like to kick our kids out as soon as possible.” From my knowledge, this occurs with the arrival of University or College. Nevertheless, my parents are white washed, so that means: “Find a job, make some money, invest, and don’t come back!” Maybe they were joking, but mum appeared serious about this.

One things for sure. Yeah, high school doesn’t feel over, but being 18 that means i’m not a kid anymore. Does that mean everything is going to change? Is it true that professors don’t give a damn about their students? Or that the real world is harsh and deadly? If so, then perhaps still being a kid isn’t such a bad idea.

But maybe thats why you always hear this quote, “Never lose your childish innocence. It’s the most important thing.” (under the tuscan sun)

In essence, what i am trying to get across is the idea that there are two parallel lines: one representing  the idea that now “its time to grow up”, and the other that says “i still want to be a child.” So which do most people prefer? I remember playing with Barbie dolls (my older sister used to pull their heads off) and thinking man, i want to grow up and be like Barbie; she’s an adult and she has all the freedom in the world.

I guess feelings change, right? Perhaps – if not soon – these thoughts may dissolve. For now, i feeling like writing about soccer.

Hello World!

So it seems i have finally done it…i got myself a blog. Impressive no? I guess since this is my first post i’ll write something i assume someone will perhaps read? Okay! Well, hi. With this blog i’m really hoping to pass the summer writing about anything on my mind. From baking to traveling to soccer and anything in between – really, write about life.

Cheers to the first post! Surely, not my last.