Back in Australia

I am back in the Gold Coast for the second semester of my course. Thanks to my wonderful family and friends in Singapore who have made this one of my best holidays ever and for reminding me why Singapore remains home.

Movies watched this month...

Akeelah and the Bee

An inspirational, feel-good movie about a poor black prodigical 11-year-old girl who wins the Scripps National Spelling Bee Competition against all odds. A must watch for all teachers and teacher wannabes. * * * 1/2 STARS

Jillendru Oru Kaadhal (Tamil)

Not unlike the rest of the Tamil movies that have been released this year, the storyline was substandard and sloppy. It would not be an exaggeration to say my younger brother used to write more creative stories when he was in primary school. Nonetheless, I concede that Tamil movies are not meant for those wanting anything vaguely intellectual and from a pure entertainment-value perspective, there were some redeeming features like the songs..AR Rahman rarely disappoints and though this was not one of his masterpieces, there were some pretty good tracks...I particularly liked the jazzy title track by Tanvi. Who would have thought Tamil and Jazz could sound so good together?

On a side note, congrats to Jyothikha and Soorya who got married for the first time in real life on Sept the 11th.

* * 1/2 STARS

Monster House

For the first few minutes you almost forget you are watching an animated movie. The grass in the movie looked so real it was freaky. What happened to those good old days when technology was not so advanced and cartoons looked like things people drew?? But once you get over that bit, you really start enjoying its delicious horror-comedy blend.

* * * * Stars