© Picturehouse
THE TRAILER:
El Orfanato is the original title. It was produced by Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth, The Devil’s Backbone). It’s about a mother never-ending effort in searching for her lost son. I watched it alone, wearing headphone in the middle of the night, but the sounds were way too creepy, I decided to delay watching it until daytime and with NO headphone.

2. The Others (2001)

© Miramax Films
THE TRAILER:
To me, this is Nicole Kidman’s best movie. The cast (especially the children), the setting and everything about the movie was perfect. If you decide to check the trailer, don’t read the comments below so it won’t ruin your movie experience.

3. The innocents (1961)

© ?
THE TRAILER:
It’s an old movie, in fact it’s in black and white so therefore no fancy special effects or CGI kind of things. It was so simple, but I think it was way more effective because it looks more real. I love The Others so much, I want to experience some scary movie at the same level and some people suggest me ‘The Innocents’, and it works (scares me) really well obviously.

4. The Sixth Sense (1999)

©Hollywood/Buena Vista
THE TRAILER:
“I see dead people…” That’s probably one of the most memorable quotes ever. Haley Joel Osment is perfect in his part as the kid who is, yes, seeing the dead people. He was so great he was nominated for Oscar. Just like The Others, it’s better not knowing anything about the movie before you watch it.

5. The Ring (2002)

©DreamWorks
THE TRAILER:
Usually the remake couldn’t match the original, but I actually prefer Naomi Watts’s version. Unfortunately, now there were too many copycats and parodies that could ruin the enjoyment of everyone who decided to watch this movie for the first time.

Any scary ghost movies that you’d like to share?

1. Godfather (Nino Rota)

The most haunting piece of music that I’ve ever heard. Definitely best of the best. No question on why the theme of this movie became classic just like the movie itself.

2. Up (Michael Giacchino)

Especially the track called Marriage Life. When the music is playing during the movie, you will experience the best of 4:21 minutes in cinema history. No kidding.

3. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (Alexandre Desplat)

I have been a fan for this franchise for years, but never really care with the score, until Deathly Hallows Part 1 hits the theatre. At least there three favorite tracks of mine: Obliviate, Snape to Malfoy Manor and Farewell To Dobby. I am so happy to know Desplat will do the second part as well.

4. Love Story (Francis Lai)

Not really my favorite movie, but it wasn’t a bad movie at all and I could understand why it became such a classic. However, the best part is obviously the score. You will probably have heard it even when you haven’t seen the movie.

5. Psycho (Bernard Herrmann)

Alfred Hitchcock favorite composer. He at least has written the scores for almost every Hitchcock masterpiece from The Trouble with Harry (1955) to Marnie (1964), of course the one for Psycho (1960) no doubt was his best work.

6. The Omen (Jerry Goldsmith)

I almost couldn’t play this one while I am alone. Someone said this is the Lord of all horror soundtracks. Listen to it yourself if you don’t believe me. I played this while I am writing this, but maybe I shouldn’t as my neighbor might think I started a cult or something.

7. The Exorcist (Steve Boeddeker)

Quite confusing on whom did the score. It seemed it was done by many different artists, but the one that I love the most is called ‘Tubular Bells” composed by Mike Oldfield.

8. Lust, Caution (Alexandre Desplat)

I was so intrigued by every element at the movie: acting, story, direction, cinematography, and more especially the score. I thought it was brilliant and couldn’t wait to find out the person behind it. I was so happy to find out that it was no other than Alexandre Desplat.

9. Kill Bill Volume 1 and 2 (RZA)

I’d love to have Quentin Tarrantino playlist, it seemed we might like the same kind of music. Thanks to him, I got to know Nancy Sinatra and Shivarree’s goodnight moon. However, the track that caught my attention the most was called The Lonely Shepherd – Gheorghe Zamfir (produced by RZA), at the end of Kill Bill volume 1 (what a perfect ending).

10. Forrest Gump (Alan Silvestri)

My earliest memory in paying attention at movie scores. It’s still one of the best scores of all time.

Honorable mention: Rosemary’s Baby (Christopher Komeda), Life Is Beautiful (Nicola Piovani), Let Me In (Michael Giacchino), The Golden Compass (Alexandre Desplat), Heaven and Earth (Kitaro), The Chroncles of Narnia: The Lion, The Wich, and The Wardrobe (Harry Gregson-Williams) more especially the track called Evacuating London), Midnight Express (Giorgio Moroder)

Some scores that I love, but never seen the movie, here as follow: Breakfast at Tifanny’s (Henry Mancini), Romeo and Juliet (Nino Rota)

What about television show? There was one and only score that I love the most. It’s from the Twin Peaks and it’s written by Angelo Badalamenti.

Never across in my mind that one day I’d visit Argentina, but here I was for the most magical eight days in my life. I arrived in Buenos Aires and there they are: Leandro and Noelia. Both are Roxette fans, who I knew for quite sometimes only through internet, but finally met face-to-face. They were so friendly and before I knew it, we started talking (during our trip to their apartment) like we’ve known each other forever.

They invited me to stay in their apartment. It was a lovely place. I felt like home instantly. The view from 8th floor was amazing too, but it didn’t really matter because I was just too exited to get to know them and looking forward to my first full Roxette concert ever. In fact, it was my first full concert of ANY band ever.

The view from the apartment

Later, since I just couldn’t wait to have the Roxette tickets in my hand, we went to a place where I plan to pick them up. Even though that was the beginning of fall, to me the weather was quite hot, kind of remind me of Indonesia. To think about it, the area where I was staying looked so similar with Jakarta. In some way, I felt like I was home. So, I didn’t really mind surrounding by lots of people, being in a hurry all the time, and no place to seat sometimes at public transportation. Of course, Buenos Aires had subway, while Jakarta had train. Some parts of this city were European influenced, something that Jakarta didn’t have.

Then, I got tickets! Still it’s going to be few more days before we attend the concert. The next day, Noe and Leandro went to Uruguay. I had to stay at home because I didn’t have the proper visa. Also, our other friend, Scott was coming from the US. I’ve known him since 2005 (I think), but never met him in person. He spoke Spanish really well and he took a taxi by himself from the airport to the apartment. Later that day, we went to downtown (though I made us go to wrong direction, but thankfully we manage to find the right way).

The next day, Noe and Leandro came home with two people who I have never met. Diego and Laura, who also Roxette fans. They’re going to stay with us. Diego was cool and funny. Laura couldn’t speak English, but I like her a lot. I think she’s a sweetheart. So, here we are people who never know each other before now staying together. I couldn’t help thinking how if one of us turns into a psycho killer? (lol I guess I watched too much Hitchcock). Of course, we’re all just normal fans and we ended up having marvelous time together. Leandro told me that sometimes in life you gotta take a chance. I agreed with him. To think about it, I have taken so many chances in my life before and many of them were quite crazy.

Finally the D-day is here! Or should I say the Rox day. We woke up early in the morning and started our day immediately. Noe had to go to her mother’s house, but we promised to meet each other at Luna Park (where the concert is). We took a subway and oh, boy there were lots of people (maybe because it was rush hour) inside. I think Leandro (or Diego) told me this is like rehearsal before being part at the crowded concert later.

In downtown, we met Marcos coincidentally. He was my friend in FB and he helped me purchase the ticket for Cordoba gig. He was with this sweet girl, Andrea. They said “hi” and he asked Andrea to translate something for me. Apparently during our contacts, I mostly talk to his partner because he couldn’t speak English. I said no problem at all. He was already so kind to help a stranger like me, then we pass a hotel nearby and guess who were in there? Christoffer and Helena! We waved and moments later they came to see us. We took pictures together and I remember someone told me Chris is a huge Harry Potter fan, so I mentioned it and suddenly we were talking about Harry Potter like we were old friends! He said that now he’s starting to read the series to his kids.

With Christoffer

Then here comes Pelle and Magnus. I’ve never met Pelle before, and I had to say that after Marie and Per, he was actually my favorite Roxette band. I think he’s a great drummer, especially in Sleeping In My Car. So, I was so shocked to see him and nervous as well. I just couldn’t believe that he was standing in front of me. My first instinct was to shake his hand, but instead he hugged and kissed me. It had bad effect on me. I couldn’t stop smiling and grinning for hours.

We finally arrived at Luna Park. I just couldn’t believe what I saw. Was I died and went to Rox heaven? Everywhere you look, there are hundreds (maybe thousand) people wearing Roxette T-shirt. I was never surrounded by that many Roxette fans my whole life. Plus, you could see all unofficial Roxette merchandise they sold over there. Anything you can think of! Pictures, photos, pin, key change, etc. I was so tempted to buy some, but I also didn’t want to carry too much during the concert.

Noelia already there so we decided to have lunch. Coincidentally, while we’re eating there was Roxette add on television. We toasted for Roxette, the fans, and the new friendship.

I met some friends that I only knew from Facebook. Sometimes I said “hi” first, sometimes they did.

Hours later when we’re standing on the line, I saw a white van passing us by, then I saw some familiar faces. “Look, Roxette!” I said spontaneously. Of course, in a second everyone saw it too and all the long line got messed up all of sudden. Many fans are now chasing the van on the highway. My friends and I decided not to do the same. I wish I had video so I could tape it and send it to my family in Indonesia with a note: “See, I am pretty normal compare to other fans”. I am sure if you asked them whether I’d go after the van, they would definitely say yes. I guess I am getting old?

The gate finally opened at 7 pm. I could feel my heart trembling. This is it.

When I went inside the building, some people already got all the places at the first row, but I manage to be in maybe the 5th (or 6th). I thought that was pretty good place, then at 8 o’clock, the supporting act was playing while others still looking for their seat (or better standing places). Of course, soon I regret for even try to be in the front rows.

At 9 o’clock, Marie, Per and the whole band enter the stage and that’s when the wildest night I’ve ever experience my whole life officially begin. People just went crazy when they saw them on the stage and Marie grabbed the mic and said Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! that was when everything begins uncontrollable. People went wild. They were jumping, singing, dancing and I got punched hard in my chest I feel like I couldn’t breathe. That moment I decided I had better get out of here. However, I just couldn’t get out. There were too many people blocked my way. I got pushed to every side you can think of and couldn’t really move my feet because someone stepped on it. I pray Dressed For Success will be over soon so maybe it would calm the people a bit. I was wrong because when Dressed was over, it followed by Sleeping In My Car.

I kept begging some people to give me way out. Some tried to help, but the power of the crowd kept pushing me back inside. Then, everything start to feel blurry and then dark. I felt like I was dying. I start to imagine (or hallucinate) what would happen if I die in this concert. I imagine the newspaper where I used to work back in Indonesia would write a headline about this accident. In fact, I could read the title: “A Long Time Fan Die Tragically In Roxette Concert”. Oh my God, how ironic it would be? I imagine it would disturb my family so much and Roxette music will forever be too traumatic for them. I couldn’t let that happen. That’s not the kind of death that I’d want, too embarrassing and ironic. So, with my last strength I pushed myself outside the crowd, I got a glance of a girl laying helplessly under the crowd, I wish I could help her, but I almost couldn’t help myself either.

Then… I’m free! It took three songs before I finally could breather. At that time Wish I Could Fly is playing, but I was too shaken up to enjoy it, and at that moment I felt I was so lucky to actually survive. Not until Only When I Dream that I start to enjoy the concert. In fact, now I actually have better view of Marie and Per. I wasn’t that further away from the stage anyway. Though, I couldn’t help counting around 10 people fainting (I was pretty sure even more than that).

I was surprise that I actually love She’s Got Nothing On and Opportunity Nox so much. Those two songs were never my favorite, but I must admit they sounded great live.

Things Will Never Be The Same performed with only Marie, Per and his acoustic guitar on the stage. You could tell how Marie felt so overwhelmed with the audience response. She knew they love her and I think it touched hear heart so much, she looked like she was about to cry. By the end of the song, Per gave her a sweet kiss on her cheek.

Of course the climax was Spending My Time. You almost couldn’t hear Roxette at all. It was so emotional and again you could see how this means to Marie (later, Lars Erik Olson from TDR told us that Marie cried on the backstage after the concert because she too felt overwhelmed by the love for her).

Per was fantastic as always, but so did Marie. There were so many differences between her performance in NOTP two years ago than this one. She looked more confident, she communicated with the audience and explored almost every corners of the stage (almost like the old times). I couldn’t help noticing that she looked years younger and prettier too.
How Do You Do / Dangerous received great response from fans and who could forget Joyride with fans throwing balloon after Per sings “In a wonderful balloon”. It was so good to be part of it.

The concerts ends with Church of Your Heart. The night wasn’t over yet, there was a party waiting for the fans. Like usual, some people that I only knew from Facebook said “hi” to me. It was great to finally meet them though we only chat for a very short time.

Only when I drink

The pass

With Pelle (again)

The After School party was wonderful. When you enter the club, you’re welcomed by Roxette music (and video) in giant screen. Some fans already there dancing, drinking and having tons of fan. I saw Clarence, Magnus and Christoffer already there hang out together with the fans. I was still exhausted from my experience so I decided to sit down most of the time, but I met some great people who keep me company. It was a great atmosphere and I wish I could stay longer, but there was still another concert waiting the next day. Oh, I got another pic taken with Pelle again.

To be continued…

Every year I make my own prediction on who are going to win the Oscar. Unfortunately, I couldn’t afford to watch every movies, so my prediction mostly just based on what I read or hear from media, blogs, movie reviews and then I tried to create my own conclusion. So here goes:

Actor in a Leading Role
Javier Bardem in “Biutiful”
Jeff Bridges in “True Grit”
Jesse Eisenberg in “The Social Network”
Colin Firth in “The King’s Speech”
James Franco in “127 Hours”

The Oscar goes to: Colin Firth (he already wins Golden Globe and Critics Choice award).

Jesse Eisenberg is pretty strong contender. If Colin didn’t win, then he will. Bridges wouldn’t win because he just won last year, and it’s so unlikely for academy to have the same winner for two years in the row.

Actor in a Supporting Role
Christian Bale in “The Fighter”
John Hawkes in “Winter’s Bone”
Jeremy Renner in “The Town”
Mark Ruffalo in “The Kids Are All Right”
Geoffrey Rush in “The King’s Speech”

The Oscar goes to: Christian Bale (He wins the Golden Globe and I don’t hear enough buzz from the other actors)

Even though they have much slimmer chance, but Oscar might choose Ruffalo and Rush as well.

Actress in a Leading Role
Annette Bening in “The Kids Are All Right”
Nicole Kidman in “Rabbit Hole”
Jennifer Lawrence in “Winter’s Bone”
Natalie Portman in “Black Swan”
Michelle Williams in “Blue Valentine”

The oscar goes to: Annette Bening (She has been nominated several times and always lost, so perhaps her time has arrived? Though, I wouldn’t be surprise if they choose Natalie Portman instead).

I decided to against all odds by choosing Benning. Most of prediction saying that Portman is going to win. However, from what I heard, Michelle Williams actually the one that gives the BEST performance ever, but not enough buzz for her. It’s good to see Kidman back on the race, but I don’t think she will win. My own preference is actually Julianne Moore. I only saw the performances by Benning, Portman and Moore, as much as I love the other two, but I like Moore even more and shocked that she wasn’t even nominated.

Actress in a Supporting Role
Amy Adams in “The Fighter”
Helena Bonham Carter in “The King’s Speech”
Melissa Leo in “The Fighter”
Hailee Steinfeld in “True Grit”
Jacki Weaver in “Animal Kingdom”

The Oscar goes to: Melissa Leo (her recent winning at the Golden Globe winning might has influence my prediction)

Based on many reviews by critics and regular viewers, Steinfeild actually gave the amazing performance and many think that she should be nominated for leading role instead of supporting. However, she still pretty new in the race and I suspect the Oscar would rather award the more experienced actress. Though, I just read that recent Leo campaign could hurt her chance to win. If so, then Steinfeild might get it.

Animated Feature Film
“How to Train Your Dragon” Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois
“The Illusionist” Sylvain Chomet
“Toy Story 3” Lee Unkrich

The Oscar goes to: Toy Story 3 (One of the best movie of the year. It will definitely win because it’s also got nominated in Best Picture category, so it would be too strange if they actually lost)

If Toy Story didn’t get nominated for the Best Picture, then How To Train Your Dragon had almost the same chance to win, who is surprisingly (according to people who have watched it) try to follow the Pixar footsteps by focusing in great storytelling.

Art Direction
“Alice in Wonderland”
Production Design: Robert Stromberg; Set Decoration: Karen O’Hara
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1”
Production Design: Stuart Craig; Set Decoration: Stephenie McMillan
“Inception”
Production Design: Guy Hendrix Dyas; Set Decoration: Larry Dias and Doug Mowat
“The King’s Speech”
Production Design: Eve Stewart; Set Decoration: Judy Farr
“True Grit”
Production Design: Jess Gonchor; Set Decoration: Nancy Haigh

The Oscar goes to: Inception (Why? Simply because Inception is this year’s Avatar).

I think Deathly Hallows has amazing art direction as well, but Inception offering something new that we’ve never seen before, so it deserves to win.

Cinematography
“Black Swan” Matthew Libatique
“Inception” Wally Pfister
“The King’s Speech” Danny Cohen
“The Social Network” Jeff Cronenweth
“True Grit” Roger Deakins

The Oscar goes to: Inception (they deserve it, in fact they SHOULD win all the technical categories).

However, The Black Swan might “steal” the Oscar. Many people think this movie was great in technical aspects too. I have to disagree, though. It was brilliant movie and I enjoy it a lot, but I don’t think it should win this category.

Costume Design
“Alice in Wonderland” Colleen Atwood
“I Am Love” Antonella Cannarozzi
“The King’s Speech” Jenny Beavan
“The Tempest” Sandy Powell
“True Grit” Mary Zophres

The Oscar goes to: The King’s Speech (As one of the best pictures nominees, I think they might win other categories as well).

This time I am surprised that The Black Swan wasn’t nominated. I think Natalie Portman’s costume as the evil Black Swan was beyond beautiful. Weeks ago, I actually predict Alice In Wonderland that most likely to win in this category, but I’ve slowly begun change my mind after reading more news and reviews about The King’s Speech.

Directing
“Black Swan” Darren Aronofsky
“The Fighter” David O. Russell
“The King’s Speech” Tom Hooper
“The Social Network” David Fincher
“True Grit” Joel Coen and Ethan Coen

The Oscar goes to: David Fincher (another category that I am almost 100% sure)

What a surprise that Christopher Nolan wasn’t even nominated. Talking about biggest Oscar snub this year.

Documentary (Feature)
“Exit through the Gift Shop” Banksy and Jaimie D’Cruz
“Gasland” Josh Fox and Trish Adlesic
“Inside Job” Charles Ferguson and Audrey Marrs
“Restrepo” Tim Hetherington and Sebastian Junger
“Waste Land” Lucy Walker and Angus Aynsley

The Oscar goes to: I don’t know and hard to guess at all.

Documentary (Short Subject)
“Killing in the Name” Nominees to be determined
“Poster Girl” Nominees to be determined
“Strangers No More” Karen Goodman and Kirk Simon
“Sun Come Up” Jennifer Redfearn and Tim Metzger
“The Warriors of Qiugang” Ruby Yang and Thomas Lennon

The Oscar goes too: No clue at all.

Film Editing
“Black Swan” Andrew Weisblum
“The Fighter” Pamela Martin
“The King’s Speech” Tariq Anwar
“127 Hours” Jon Harris
“The Social Network” Angus Wall and Kirk Baxter

The Oscar goes to: The Black Swan (I can’t say that I agree if they really win, I think Inception should win, but it doesn’t even get nominated)

The Fighter has a good chance too (I assumed it must be quite hard to edit fighting scene).

Foreign Language Film
“Biutiful” Mexico
“Dogtooth” Greece
“In a Better World” Denmark
“Incendies” Canada
“Outside the Law (Hors-la-loi)” Algeria

The Oscar goes to: In a Better World (It’s already won the Globe, that’s why)

Makeup
“Barney’s Version” Adrien Morot
“The Way Back” Edouard F. Henriques, Gregory Funk and Yolanda Toussieng
“The Wolfman” Rick Baker and Dave Elsey

The Oscar goes to: The Wolfman (the only movie that I am familiar with)

No Alice In Wonderland? No Deathly Hallows? Not even The Black Swan?

Music (Original Score)
“How to Train Your Dragon” John Powell
“Inception” Hans Zimmer
“The King’s Speech” Alexandre Desplat
“127 Hours” A.R. Rahman
“The Social Network” Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross

The Oscar goes to: The Social Network

My personal preference will be Desplat score for Deathly Hallows. That was just amazing and I am really root for him. Oh, well. I am glad he got nominated for The King’s Speech.

Music (Original Song)
“Coming Home” from “Country Strong” Music and Lyric by Tom Douglas, Troy Verges and Hillary Lindsey
“I See the Light” from “Tangled” Music by Alan Menken Lyric by Glenn Slater
“If I Rise” from “127 Hours” Music by A.R. Rahman Lyric by Dido and Rollo Armstrong
“We Belong Together” from “Toy Story 3″ Music and Lyric by Randy Newman

The Oscar goes to: Coming Home from Country Strong.

Best Picture
“Black Swan” Mike Medavoy, Brian Oliver and Scott Franklin, Producers
“The Fighter” David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman and Mark Wahlberg, Producers
“Inception” Emma Thomas and Christopher Nolan, Producers
“The Kids Are All Right” Gary Gilbert, Jeffrey Levy-Hinte and Celine Rattray, Producers
“The King’s Speech” Iain Canning, Emile Sherman and Gareth Unwin, Producers
“127 Hours” Christian Colson, Danny Boyle and John Smithson, Producers
“The Social Network” Scott Rudin, Dana Brunetti, Michael De Luca and Ceán Chaffin, Producers
“Toy Story 3” Darla K. Anderson, Producer
“True Grit” Scott Rudin, Ethan Coen and Joel Coen, Producers
“Winter’s Bone” Anne Rosellini and Alix Madigan-Yorkin, Producers

The Oscar goes to: The King’s Speech

Only recently that I start to have faith that the academy will choose different winner than Golden Globe. In that case, then The King’s Speech might win. Until a week ago, I actually predicted The Social Network will win hugest award, still they still have huge chance to win more than any other nominees

Short Film (Animated)
“Day & Night” Teddy Newton
“The Gruffalo” Jakob Schuh and Max Lang
“Let’s Pollute” Geefwee Boedoe
“The Lost Thing” Shaun Tan and Andrew Ruhemann
“Madagascar, carnet de voyage (Madagascar, a Journey Diary)” Bastien Dubois

The Oscar goes to: Day and Night (Day and Night was the only one I’ve seen and familiar with, but I won’t be shocked if the academy will choose other instead)

Short Film (Live Action)
“The Confession” Tanel Toom
“The Crush” Michael Creagh
“God of Love” Luke Matheny
“Na Wewe” Ivan Goldschmidt
“Wish 143” Ian Barnes and Samantha Waite

The Oscar goes to: No clue.

Sound Editing
“Inception” Richard King
“Toy Story 3” Tom Myers and Michael Silvers
“Tron: Legacy” Gwendolyn Yates Whittle and Addison Teague
“True Grit” Skip Lievsay and Craig Berkey
“Unstoppable” Mark P. Stoeckinger

The oscar goes to: Toy Story 3

Not enough love from academy for Inception to win.

Sound Mixing
“Inception” Lora Hirschberg, Gary A. Rizzo and Ed Novick
“The King’s Speech” Paul Hamblin, Martin Jensen and John Midgley
“Salt” Jeffrey J. Haboush, Greg P. Russell, Scott Millan and William Sarokin
“The Social Network” Ren Klyce, David Parker, Michael Semanick and Mark Weingarten
“True Grit” Skip Lievsay, Craig Berkey, Greg Orloff and Peter F. Kurland

The oscar goes too: Inception (not really sure though)

Visual Effects
“Alice in Wonderland” Ken Ralston, David Schaub, Carey Villegas and Sean Phillips
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1” Tim Burke, John Richardson, Christian Manz and Nicolas Aithadi
“Hereafter” Michael Owens, Bryan Grill, Stephan Trojansky and Joe Farrell
“Inception” Paul Franklin, Chris Corbould, Andrew Lockley and Peter Bebb
“Iron Man 2” Janek Sirrs, Ben Snow, Ged Wright and Daniel Sudick

The oscar goes to: Inception

This time it got better chance than the other nominess

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
“127 Hours” Screenplay by Danny Boyle & Simon Beaufoy
“The Social Network” Screenplay by Aaron Sorkin
“Toy Story 3” Screenplay by Michael Arndt; Story by John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich
“True Grit” Written for the screen by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
“Winter’s Bone” Adapted for the screen by Debra Granik & Anne Rosellini

The oscar goes to: The Social Network

It’s already won the Golden Globe for the same category.

Writing (Original Screenplay)
“Another Year” Written by Mike Leigh
“The Fighter” Screenplay by Scott Silver and Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson;
Story by Keith Dorrington & Paul Tamasy & Eric Johnson
“Inception” Written by Christopher Nolan
“The Kids Are All Right” Written by Lisa Cholodenko & Stuart Blumberg
“The King’s Speech” Screenplay by David Seidler

The oscar goes to: The Kids Are All Right
I hope the academy will show a little love for this movie.

Way Out
Very much Beatles influenced. It doesn’t really fit as opening song off the album, maybe because you almost couldn’t hear Marie’s voice at all. Even though, the song is great (has interesting opening, and the guitar riff were fantastic) but it fits more to Gessle’s solo projects (maybe even Gylenne Tider, Gessle’s other band).

No One Makes It On Her Own
Typical Roxette ballad, but in a good way of course. They’ve always been known as a band who always produced amazing ballads. Remember It Must Have Been Love or Listen To Your Heart? This song carries the Roxette formula: Powerful voice by Marie and genius lyrics by Per. Get ready to feel nostalgic.

She’s Got Nothing On (But The Radio)
For me, this is the ‘weakest’ song off the album. The style seemed like the continuation of Opportunity Rox, which never be my favorite. However, the chorus is pretty strong, thanks to Marie’s unique vocal and then a great middle-8 (another typical Roxette, the credit goes to Gessle this time). Maybe I’ll like it better with less computerize effect, and I have to say Marie saved this song

Speak To Me
PERFECT song. This is the song that is so perfect from the beginning to the end. No flaw at all. Simple yet brilliant. They will make a mistake if they NEVER release this as a single (like they did with Things Will Never Be The Same). To the fans that gotten to know Roxette from Joyride era, this song will take us back to memory lane.

I’m Glad You Called
A very simple song sing by Marie. She sounds fragile, but that makes the song work. If you like Crash! Boom! Bang! you will like this song as well, and yes the violin is back! This is Roxette that we know best, Marie sings the whole song, Per sings the middle-8, or vice versa.

Only When I Dream
Just like Speak To Me, this is Roxette that we’ve known that seemed lost during Have A Nice Day or Room Service. When Per mentioned the new album will sound like a classic Roxette, this song is one of the proof. Marie and Per share their vocal part equally. To Roxette fans, this song is like a dream comes true.

Dream On
Another left over from The World According To Gessle? Though when you heard Marie’s part, she takes you back to Roxette again. Another Beatles influenced. Per does his best vocal here (though Marie’s part is also magical).

Big Black Cadillac
This should be the opening song of the album. Though I am not a fan of the song, but I think this has more hits potential than She’s Got Nothing On (But The Radio). In my opinion, if they want to gain the attention of younger generation, this one is probably the better choice to be release as first single.

In My Own Way
This is the kind of the song that need to be listen few times, and now it’s my number one favorite of the album. This song is like a movie, at the beginning you were trying to figure out what the plot is going to me, but at the middle you start to realize that this is must be the smartest, the most emotional story you’ve ever seen, and by the end all you want to do is watch the movie over and over again. Marie delivers different range of her vocal. It started a bit fragile, but then it got stronger gradually, until to the point that just blow you away.

After All
Another Beatles influence, another The World According To Gessle leftover, which actually my favorite album by Gessle.

Happy On The Outside
To me, it has the weakest lyrics. I think Per can do better than this. The music and Marie’s vocal still interesting to hear, especially at the chorus. It makes me believe again and again on Per brilliant mind in creating such a catchy music.

Sitting On Top Of The World
The kind of song that usually not my favorite, but Marie’s sweet voice change it all. The song seemed so simple, but usually it’s tricky. You got to be a talented singer to make such a simple song works, but Marie proves she still got what it takes (remember how sweet she sounded like in Milk and Toast and Honey?) Perfect ending of the album. This song should be a soundtrack to a movie. Per’s best lyric so far.

My list of Charm School best songs in order:

1. In My Own Way
2. Speak To Me
3. No One Makes It On Her Own
4. Sitting on Top of The World
5. Only When I Dream
6. Dream On
7. I’m Glad You Called
8. Big Black Cadillac
9. Way Out
10. Happy On The Outside
11.After All
12. She’s Got Nothing On, But The Radio

Songs that should be release as a single: Speak To Me, Only In My Dream, No One Makes It On Her Own, Big Black Cadillac, and Sitting On Top Of The World.

At the beginning when I only listened to the snippets, I thought this album sounds more like Crash! Boom! Bang!. I changed my mind now. It sounds more like Tourism (especially with the live recording songs at the deluxe album). So, I think Roxette tried to satisfy all the fans who liked different album. This album are mixed of anything classic from them, which is a good thing.

I have a thing in movie like this. This one seemed like a mix between Single White Female with Fight Club, with a little touch of Persona even Mulholland Dr. Does anyone also ever seen L’Appartement? If not, then maybe you should. Come to think about it, 3 Women by Robert Altman had almost the same formula. Even though the Black Swan setting is in US, but you cannot help to feeling European thriller atmosphere; minimal dialog and more focused on expression, camera movement, and in this case… the ballet itself. Natalie Portman (we knew there was something about her when we first saw her on The Professional) is Nina Sayers, a dancer who got chosen for a once in a lifetime role in The Swan Lake. The ballet director Thomas Leroy (Vincent Cassel) thinks she was perfect as the innocent white swan, but not so much for the evil twin, the black swan. The whole movie is about Nina trying to prove that she could play both role, then here comes Lily, another girl that Nina fears after the same role. She was also talented and more confident than Nina, the kind of girl that fits as the black swan. The differences between this movie and the others that I wrote earlier, the twist isn’t the strongest side of this movie. It is more focused on the main characters. Natalie Portman gives a solid performance and maybe the best on her career yet, with the result of Oscar nomination, and maybe she could win it as well. The other cast gave a great performance, more especially by Barbara Hershey as Erica Sayers, Nina’s mother.

Way Out:
It’s a bit strange to have this one as the opening song. I think Roxette fans already got use with more powerful up tempo song (The Look, Sleeping In My Car, etc). Still, it has great rhythm guitar. Very much Beatles-influenced, only more modern.

No One Makes It On Her Own:
Wonderful ballad. Marie sounds so angelic. My favorite part was “Did u ever catch the sunset, right across the ocean..” Kudos to Per’s talent in song writing and Marie’s perfect delivery.

She’s Got Nothing On (But The Radio)
I am almost sure this is the weakest out of the album. Strangely it’s actually the first single. The chorus is catchy and has Roxette typical but perfect middle-8. However, it sounds over produced while I am still stuck with the classic Roxette.

Speak To Me
Probably the most romantic songs on the album (or ever in Roxette history? time will tell). Never actually a fan of this type, but this time I gave in. Marie and Per voice sounded so perfectly combined, followed by Marie’s powerful (yet vulnerable at the same time) voice in the chorus. It seemed after Listen To Your Heart, Spending My Time and It Must Have Been Love, here comes another ballad that born to be a classic.

I’m Glad You Called
If you like Roxette’s Tourism album, you will like this one. They choose to do this song in acoustic way, different with Per’s version which I think lack of “feeling” (or maybe lack of Marie?).

Only When I Dream
This is what I called CLASSIC ROXETTE! Perfect chorus. It felt like they took me back on the first time I’ve ever listen to them. Remember at the old days when Per and Marie used to take turn singing in a song? This song remind me of Things Will Never Be The Same (Joyride). So far, this is my number one favorite.

Dream On
Another classic Roxette ( I swear if I am closing my eyes, I felt like I in 90’s again). For some reason it sounds so familiar, like a dejavu. Very Beatles influence, but I don’t mind at all.

Big Black Cadillac
First impression: Is this Lady Gaga’s song? Though, I better wait until I heard the whole song before judging. I think this should be the opening song. Much stronger than Way Out, and catchier than She’s Got Nothing On (But The Radio). It’s start to grow on me after playing it for maybe hundred of times.

In My Own Way
Another romantic acoustic ballad, the kind of song you’ll hear on a wedding. It has a gospel touch (in music, not lyrics). Brilliant words by Mr. G, and angelic voice by Ms. F

After All
Another Beatles style (which I don’t mind at all, do you?). Sounds like a leftover from The World According To Gessle, which should be a PERFECT Roxette album, even Clarence Ofwerman agrees.

Happy On The Outside
I LOVE THE CHORUS! So emotional and no one could sing this better than Marie. It reminds me of Roxette powerful broken hearted song theme in the 80’s-90’s.

Sitting On The Top Of The World
This one took me to another world, maybe heaven? Again, Marie with her angelic’s voice and again Gessle proof that he’s one of the most talented songwriter. What an true artist.

Overall: This is gonna be a ROMANTIC album, with lots of acoustic guitar, a bit of Beatles influence here and there. I am dare to say this is more than what I expected. Can’t wait for the WHOLE album.

Roxette new album, Charm School out in February 2011, while their World Tour starts on March.

First something inspired by their new album cover:

My art:

( Left to right: Dug is a character from my fav Pixar movie ‘Up’, then some pic that I took (cuz I love photography), Marie F album Den Standiga Resan (my fav of hers), Severus Snape (my fav character from Harry Potter), James Stewart (my fav actor), Harry Potter book which so special because it made me start to love reading again, then Roxette (my fav band basically for half of my life), lastly Alfred Hitchcock which I think is the best director ever. The background is from newspaper Manado Post (where I landed my first job ever)

Roxette new album

The next one is my first painting of Marie (the other half of Roxette) in watercolors. I’m quite proud of this one, I always wanted to learn how to paint, but I always delay it, I guess. I think I was too comfortable with “pencils”, now I didn’t even see me going back ever again.

Oh, the new Roxette album is called Charm School, and the new single is called She’s Got Nothing On, But The Radio.

WARNING: Spoilers ahead!

(c) Warner Bros.

I love it. This is the first time that I actually started “to care” Harry Potter, the character himself. Not that I ever hated him or something, but usually he wasn’t that interesting to me. I was more fond with his friends Hermione and Ron, even his enemy: Draco Malfoy.

I’ll tell you later why I changed my mind.

The beginning of the movie was quite different. We actually saw Hermione first, when she used memory charms to her parents. This was never happened in the book, only Hermione mentioned it briefly (correct me if I’m wrong), but I am so glad that they added this scene. This one of the scene that touched me so much. The part where her images start to disappear from the picture frames it’s so incredibly moving. Emma Watson has really matured as an actress.

Though, I wish they’d show just a bit more Dursley family (especially the part that Dudley Dursley now is a changed person). They have been an opening “trademark” in the book and some of the movies, so it was a bit unfair that we have to say goodbye to them the way they did in this movie.

Snape oh Snape. I was hoping to see him more in this movie (after the disappointment in the previous movie where he appeared less, though the story should be about him). Though, I must admit the way he apparate at the gate of Malfoy Manor WAS brilliant, another favorite scene.

Did you notice how he looked at the woman (the Muggle Studies teacher) who asked him for help. That was priceless (especially if you know who Snape really was)

Lord Voldemort has become extremely scarier than the last time I saw him (great job, Ralph Fiennes!), I love the scene when he wanted to borrow Lucius Malfoy. Both actors (Fiennes and Jason Isaacs) gave their best performance here.

I love the Seven Potters part. I’ve been waiting to see how they did the scene and I am satisfy with the result. Though, the movie gets darker (after Prisoner of Azkaban), they still managed to keep the humors that made the book and the movie entertaining. Though, I start to think: Maybe to have the others drank polyjuice potions so they can transform into Potter wasn’t that good idea at all. Why not they’re all actually transform to someone else unknown instead?

The death of Hedwig was really sad, but again just like the Dursley, there wasn’t any proper goodbye. Harry seemed to forget too quick that he just lost the bird that sacrifice her life for him.

However, the movie just got better so I could forgive those ’small stuff’. The three young actors (Daniel, Emma, and Rupert) were really grown as actors and improved so much, especially Emma Watson. I like the conflict between them, especially where Hermione had to choose between Harry or Ron (not romantically). Who will ever guess that the always goofy Ronald Weasley could show more different sides.

The argument between Ronald and Harry made me realize there was something about Daniel Radcliffe. He such a great actor, then when he tried to cheer Hermione by asking him to dance by the song “O Children”, then I knew Harry Potter (the character) just became one of my favorite characters now (Snape still on the top of the list).

Another favorite part of course The SilverDoe, because as a fan of the books, I know the back story and the explanation of it, and it’s gonna be great to see it translates into the screen on part 2 (I hope so).

Nagini really scared the hell out of me, that’s the best special effects in the movie (Anaconda looked like a terrible joke compared to this one). I will never forget the scene with Bathilda Bagshot. It shocked me so much, due the fact I completely forgotten what happened in the book.

It was quite strange to watch Harry Potter without seeing Hogwarts at all. The school always the main setting of the other six movies. It’s great to see a glimpse of Neville and the other students as well.

One thing that was hard for me to forgive, the fact they skipped the Kreacher’s Tale. If you see the movie when Harry asked the house elf to find Mundugus, it wasn’t that easy in the book. It took a long time. Also, the chapter in the book was the one that makes me have a huge sympathy with Kreacher, that was my second favorite chapters in the book, and they totally skipped it.

I hope they won’t skip, or ’shorten’ the Prince Tale in the next movie. Eight months to go.

Maybe some of you still remember my story when I failed to see Roxette in Rotterdam. It seemed it ended in a very good way (I got a chance to meet Roxette backstage) in Cologne, Germany.

However, no one really know what happened after that.

Life seemed perfect. I will always remember Germany as the sacred place where I finally achieved my long time dream (for almost 20 years!) to finally meet Roxette. However, it seemed fate, destiny or whatever you wanna call it decided to add a little more into that unforgettable moment. Perhaps so I could always remember and appreciate on how WORTH that experience really was? I don’t know.

After my meeting with Roxette in Cologne, I still had one last concert to go the next day. I enjoyed the show very much, although my mind mostly thought about the meeting the day before. Nothing could beat that experience. Part of me was sad because the experience was almost over, while I also couldn’t wait to go home to US, so I could upload the pictures and sharing (or showing off) with friends and everyone else. However, it seemed Germany still wanted me to stay just a little bit longer… Two more days actually.

Then I saw the last concert in Dortmund. Pretty emotional to see Marie and Per waved to the audiences and said goodbye. After that, I took a train back to Düsseldorf. It was so cold and freezing. I felt more than exhausted. Two days earlier I REFUSED to feel it and somehow I managed to fight it. Those times I couldn’t afford to feel tired since I still had concert to go (meaning I still need my strength to walk around Cologne/ Dortmund on heavy snow for many hours), but this time I gave in and felt it was okay to be tired and sleepy.

I arrived in Düsseldorf maybe after midnight (I wasn’t sure). There were no more bus, and I still had to wait for a taxi to take me to my hotel while the heavy snow still falling. The taxi came and I arrived safely at my hotel. I realized that I gave TOO MUCH tip to taxi driver. However, I decided not to think about it because tomorrow I would be on a plane back to US. I planned to wake up around 5 am because my flight took off at 9:30 am

I woke up few hours later. While lying in bed, I looked outside the window then wondering why it was all bright outside, then I checked my cellphone. It was 9:15 am! I was shocked! I FORGOT to set up the alarm, I forgot to let the front desk know so they could wake me up. I suddenly realized that I woke up so late and now I could be trapped in Germany with NO money! I only had maybe $ 100 left at my bank account meaning I couldn’t afford to buy a new ticket and I got nowhere to go.

I grab my suitcase in panic. I didn’t even change clothes (I still wore my pajama), no time to put on some socks and I already lost one my gloves during my meeting with Marie and Per. I went to the front desk. I still hoped that I could make it to the airport in 15 minutes. I hoped somehow the plane got delayed.

Damn, there were people also checking out, finally it was my turn. I asked the hotel staff to call a cab for me. He said that there were people asked a cab also, but it didn’t show up yet. Now, I was more than panic. He said the family also needed to go to the airport and maybe they were willing to share the cab with me. I went outside and begging them to let me share the taxi. They didn’t mind. The husband actually tried to cheer me up. He said that everything will be okay and the plane might get delayed because of the horrible weather. I wished he was right. I hoped I didn’t use all my luck for my meeting with Roxette. The damn cab still didn’t arrive so I decided to take a bus instead. Of course by this time, if the plane on time, I already officially missed it

I arrived at the airport and went to Lufthansa desk. Yes, I was right. I missed the plane. I was so sad and confused. Didn’t know what to do, then some airport security advised me to try to get a flight to Frankfurt. She said I still have time to catch my connecting flight to US at 12 pm there (I supposed to take a flight from Düsseldorf to Frankfurt, then Frankfurt to New York), but I needed to buy new ticket from Düsseldorf to Frankfurt. I didn’t even know if I could afford that with my $ 100, but I went on a line anyway.

There was a very LONG line. I decided to ask if I could cut the line, but they all seemed mind. They all also missed their connecting flight. The different were, I FELL asleep while them just simply because of the bad weather which wasn’t their fault at all. So, here I was, being on the line in my pajama.

I checked the clock, now it’s 11:30 am, so I have missed another flight from Frankfurt to New York. It seemed I was gonna trap in Germany for I didn’t know how long.

I was on the line for economy class, then I saw only few people on business class line. I guess it wouldn’t hurt to go to that lane because I just needed to talk with someone from Lufthansa about my situation. So, I moved to that line instead.

Then it was my turn. I told the woman what happened. She checked on the computer and said there were no flight to US until two days later. I said I didn’t mind as long I COULD go home, then I remember I have ‘little’ problem. I got no money to pay for the ticket. She said, I didn’t have to pay. I WAS shocked, then she told me that she was gonna give me ticket for Business Class. Now, I was more than shocked. I couldn’t stop thanking her. I got my ticket and started to walk away. She called me back.

She said: “don’t go that fast”. She asked me where I would stay. I said I didn’t mind staying at the airport, I was already SO happy that I could go back home. She told me not to be silly, then she wrote something that turns out was a voucher to stay two nights at Maritim hotel. Again, I thanked her, then left. She called me again and now she started to laugh. She said that she wasn’t finished, then she gave me something. It was a food voucher for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Maritim Hotel for two days! I still couldn’t believe what happened. She just saved my life!

Now, I decided to call my husband and told them what happened. He was shocked that I’ve met Roxette, then even shocker for what happened to me after that. Of course, we both relieved that seemed I was gonna be just fine.

So, I went to my hotel. Hey, it even so much better than my previous one. It has flat screen TV, comfier bed and closer to the airport where you could just walk.

Hours later while relaxing at my much nicer room, I realized something. My visa expired TODAY while I still had to stay two more days in Germany. At first, I thought I’d just let the immigration know what really happened and I am sure they would let me entered the plane, still I was so worried. So, I went at the hotel lobby, then talked with some stewardess who happened to stay at the same hotel. They all said that I COULD be in BIG trouble with expired visa, I might have to pay LOTS of fine! They suggested me that I went back to the airport and talked with the airport police.

Arrgghhh…. another trouble again. So I went there and the police said that I DID need to go to immigration office in downtown Düsseldorf. Since it was already evening now and they were closed, he suggested me that I went there next morning. He wrote the address and gave me the direction and how to get there. I called my husband again. He said he would transfer me some money just in case I needed to pay a lot for having my visa extended.

The next morning, I went downtown. I met a guy at the office, who didn’t speak English at all. I told him (In English) that I needed to get my visa extended. He answered me in German, and I had no idea what he was saying, then he gave me a letter, in German. I went to airport so they could tell me if I got the right one. They said: that’s it. I’m relieved and finally I could finally relax at my hotel

This time I didn’t forget to alert the front desk to wake me up the next morning. I set the alarm on my cellphone, the phone at my room also had its own alarm, even the television. So, the next morning imagined how shocked I was when they all started to ring at the same time, but the good news was I woke up ON TIME.

I went to the airport, showed my visa and the letter to immigration and I entered the waiting room with feeling so extremely relieved, then it was time to board, when I showed my ticket, the Luthansa crew said,”Miss Bishop, we would like to invite you to fly on the first-class.” I CAN’T believe what I heard, FIRST- CLASS? I NEVER BEEN ON ONE!

Of course I said yes!

So, there I was at the first-class. I had my own seat that can turn into bed so I could stretch my legs. I had my own table with roses (I usually didn’t care with ‘little thing’ like this), better movie choices and better food! This was the first time ever in my life that I actually didn’t want to get off a plane. It was too comfortable, it was like you went to a spa. The stewardess kept offering me food! First she offered me fruits, caviar then cakes (she asked which kind I prefer the most, I couldn’t pick so she gave me them all). She asked what kind of wine I wanted to have, again I couldn’t decide, so she brought me MANY samples, then I finally chose something. She said it was an African wine.

Then the main course. I was so hungry because I didn’t really eat while I was in Germany. I chose something with duck. It came in a BIG plate that I felt really bad when I couldn’t finish it. Also, I was so full with all the snacks. Probably an hour before the plane landed, she came back with a HUGE bag of present! She said it’s a Chritsmas present. I checked in the bag and I got perfume, lip gloss, sandal, shirt, chocolate, sleep mask, etc.

This trip ended up with another happy ending (except the fact that I had to go back to work at 9 am the next day after arriving home at 3 am). So, yes now I am a BIG fan of Lufthansa.