AuralAssault: Björk's Music From The Drawing Restraint 9

Björk
Music From The Drawing Restraint 9

This is a soundtrack composed by Björk with minimal vocals for celebrated contemporary visual artist Matthew Barney’s next film Drawing restraint 9, in which she also appears.

The soundtrack music uses a combination of many instruments such as the harp, harpsichord and celeste, trumpet, trombone and oboe, electronic basslines, and children’s choir. The collection of songs also seems to bring the best of both worlds from Vespertine and Medulla in terms of the whimsical beels of the former (Ambergris March and Cetacea) and the human beatbox of the latter (the Japanese-infused Pearl, Shimenawa and the 10-minute Holographic Entrypoint). On the poignant opener Gratitude, Will Oldham sings with much raw emotion that tinkers.

The songs put together do exude a weird quality but is unquestionably a very accomplished masterpiece, though not music to everyone's ears. Those who get it will be greatly rewarded, no less. (A)

Visual&MentalAssault: Charlie and The Chocolate Factory

Charlie and The Chocolate Factory
Tim Burton (Based on the book by Roald Dahl)

The much-hyped and well-received Charlie and The Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl comes to live in this 2005 update. Staying mostly true to form, Tim Burton infuses much of his trademark direction with sophisticated robotic machinery and semi-mechanic setting in the chocolate factory which showcased what was portrayed in the book itself.

Much credit should be given to Johnny Depp and Freddie Highmore (who incidentally acted with Depp in Finding Neverland) for their roles as the eccentric Willy Wonka and the precarious and wide-eyed Charlie Bucket respectively. Once again, the pair's chemistry was unmistakable. Depp should expect an Oscar nod for his comedic and amusing performance as Willy Wonka (think Edward Scissorhands also helmed by Burton). Also deserving of praise is Deep Roy's potrayal of Oompa Loompa, the quirky little man-like creatures who looked exactly the same.

Perhaps the only flaw in the movie are the awkard song and dance sequence which sometimes fail to be funny. Otherwise, this is a faithful adaptation with a zest of new life. (B+)

Disenchanted Witch

Bewitched
Nora Ephron

Be warned, this retooled version of the old TV series is directed by Nora Ephron of Sleepless in Seattle fame, so don't expect a whole lot of depth. Anyway, the TV series itself was meant to be lighthearted as well, but it seemed that the movie remake drew muck flak, presumably compared to the TV version.

But this remake is slightly different from the original in that in the movie, they were doing a modern day version of Bewitched and they actually cast a real witch. Well, despite to a fluffy storyline without much thought, there were some funny lines though I do agree that Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell has forced chemistry. However, Kidman is actually quite good in her role as Samatha/Isabel Bigelow, an indication that the actress has reached the stage where she could handle any genre with much ease. Her presence and charisma definitely lights up the screen. The other two actors who seemed to have not received mention at all are Oscar winning screen veterans Shirley Maclaine and Michael Caine as Isabel's co-star mother-cum-witch and father respectively. Both actors showed much poise and charm as they worked their screen magic quietly in the background.

This is something good to laugh out to and if you have ever watched the original, don't be too disappointed. (B-)

Marble's ok

Hmmm, after a string of unfortunate events, an eye ulceration and tick infestation, my poor dog has recovered much from his ordeals, all thanks to my non-vigilant ways. And in turn, my pocket was burned though it really didn't matter as long as he's ok :)