The unofficial sequel to High School Musical

Some bit of fun; came across this self-production called "College Musical" while trawling the web. I'm really impressed with this, I haven't come across such well-produced videos like this on YouTube for a while. It's pretty amazing work - talented cast, great production, and a good script. Nice plot with just the right amount of cheese and humour. If you like HSM, you'll love this. Well even if you don't, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Check out the first episode here:





Here are the subsequent episodes:

Episode 2

Episode 3

Personally, I like the second episode the best so far. And though that song/duet in it was very HSM-ish, it's still a great and catchy song.

ETA:

Episode 4 is now up!

The Proposal

I'm not a big fan of romantic comedies, especially if I'm watching them on the big screen. Toss in some middling actors (IMO) like Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, and I'll barely consider watching it. So when I got some free tickets, I thought what the heck, I bundled in 2 friends along and trudged to I Utama to watch it.

And it turned out.. pretty enjoyable. I haven't enjoyed quite a movie this much in a while. It wasn't ground-breakingly spectacular, but it never felt like dull moment. This was probably due to the surprisingly good chemistry between the lead actors, and good pacing throughout the movie that you don't really get bored, despite knowing the ending the moment you step into the cinema. The funny parts of the movie was incredibly well-done, natural and just funny enough without resorting to gross, sexist, over-the-top gags (which is a rarity these days).

All in all, the movie is pretty smart in that it knows what it is - a pleasant feel-good romantic comedy. And it manage to do it exceedingly well by getting all the basics right and just a bit more, to get the audience engaged along with the right amount of humour that doesn't detract too much from the heart of the show.

Official synopsis from RottenTomatoes.com:

When high-powered book editor Margaret (SANDRA BULLOCK) faces deportation to her native Canada, the quick-thinking exec declares that she’s actually engaged to her unsuspecting put-upon assistant Andrew (RYAN REYNOLDS), who she’s tormented for years. He agrees to participate in the charade, but with a few conditions of his own. The unlikely couple heads to Alaska to meet his quirky family (MARY STEENBURGEN, CRAIG T. NELSON, BETTY WHITE) and the always-in-control city girl finds herself in one comedic fish-out-of-water situation after another. With an impromptu wedding in the works and an immigration official on their tails, Margaret and Andrew reluctantly vow to stick to the plan despite the precarious consequences.

My rating: 3 1/2 stars out of 5.

"Back in my days..."

Went to the first-years briefing for the InterCollege VC Cup Debate with Fea - this is technically the 5th one I've been to. Feeling old... *grabs keys and starts driving down memory lane*