Review - The Expendables

Just yesterday, I dropped by the Cinema to watch 'The Expendables', a recent release featuring big names such as Sylvester Stallion, Jason Statham, Mickey Rourke, Terry Crews, Jet Li, Dolph Lungren, Randy Couture and David Zayas and I would say special cast Arnold Schwarzenegger.

So what really is The Expendables about? Well, a short synopsis of the movie;
THE EXPENDABLES is a hard-hitting action/thriller about a group of mercenaries hired to infiltrate a... read more

THE EXPENDABLES is a hard-hitting action/thriller about a group of mercenaries hired to infiltrate a South American country and overthrow its ruthless dictator. Written, directed by and starring Sylvester Stallone, THE EXPENDABLES brings together a dynamic cast including Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, Steve Austin, Terry Crews and Mickey Rourke.

Casts:

• Sylvester Stallion (Barney Ross)
• Jason Statham (Lee Christmas)
• Jet Li ( Yin Yang)
• Dolph Lundgren (Gunner Jensen)
• Eric Roberts (James Munroe)
• Randy Couture (Toll Road)
• Steve Austin (Paine)
• David Zayas (General Garza)
• Giselle Itie (Sandra)
• Terry Crews (Hale Caesar)
• Mickey Rourke (Tools)
• Gary Daniels (The Brit)
  

So how good was this movie? As a typical Stallion movie, it is an action pack movie, where macho man are on to save the world. Part of the movie has some comedy in it, which is pretty much vague, I mean you really have to get the joke to laugh. In this movie Jet Li was not really the hero anymore, the hero was of course focused more on Stallion and Statham, but nevertheless Li showed off his martial arts movements very well here.

I thought Schwarzenegger part was a bit lame and boring, I mean this was the part where it was suppose to be funny but you go like, 'What the hell are they blabbing about'. Parts of the movie was boring, where all the talking took place. The action came in when Stallion and Statham was at an Island called Veilna or Veilnda or something that starts with a V. Where Stallion met a woman whom he loves or not? (You go and watch). Something happened in the island and they tried to bring the lady away which she refused. Once back in their safe spot, Stallion couldn't forget about the woman and decided to go back alone, but his friends wouldn't let him and they joined him into a task of bloodshed.

Want to know more about the movie? Watch it yourself. If you are a die hard fan of Stallion do go and watch it. If you like action pack movies, not a bad movie to watch. If you are into romance, not really one you would go for.

So I rate this movie

Puzzle @ Pullman Hotels & Resort Kuching

It was like any other normal day, but it was a bit special as it was a celebration. What was the celebration about? Well, it was a celebration on the completion of my undergraduate studies at Swinburne University ( Sarawak Campus). Finally, I am out into the working world...technically speaking as I am still job hunting. My sister gave me a few choices for places to dine for the celebration.

She suggested Pullman. Then I thought about the comments which I have received about the food there and hoped on the opportunity to try it out and to see if it is really that bad. Dinner started around 7. When I arrived the restaurant was not really packed. The atmosphere was good, not much to complain about, I would say the design is minimalistic as the hotel's main aim is to cater for business people.

Once seated we were offered a choice, either à la carte or buffet. I chose the latter and my sister and mother went for à la carte.

Buffet Choice & Taste
I think the choice given for the buffet was decent, ranging from cold to hot dishes. The choices for desserts was pretty good as they offered various pastries and cake. I was happy as they were offering salmon shashimi and cold boiled lobster. I noticed some of the dishes does not have any name being displayed, which is something that the staff in puzzle has to look into.

Shashimi and some other cold dishes

I thought the food was pretty good, albeit not all are good some are pretty much bland and tasteless but most of it was good. I truly enjoyed the shashimi and also the other cold dishes. The pasta with meat balls was good. The butter fish was not that good as it doesn't have the butter taste to it but more creamy I would say. I like the grilled asparagus which was nice and also the appetizer which my sister ordered which consist of chilled jelly fish, prawns and fish, there is a spicy and sourish taste which makes it really appetizing.

Pasta with meatballs and the supposedly butter fish

As for the steak which if I am not mistaken, is called the Oak Basket was really good, the meat used is cured beef and very well marinated. Make sure you request the steak to be medium rare.

The Oak Basket

Cheese Platter

By the time I wanted to start with the dessert I was quite full so I didn't have much. I tried the jelly cake which tasted ok and another cake which I can't remember the name was quite sweet but not that bad. The tarts are good, love the tarts. As for the macaroons, it was not that great, no doubt the inside was soft but I thought it was pretty much bland.

Desserts comprising of cakes and tarts


Macaroons~

Service
The service was good as the staffs are friendly and would greet you but I won't say excellent as there is space for improvement, as at times they fail to take care the needs of the customers.

So what is my overall impression of puzzle, here is my rating.

For information about Pullman Kuching CLICK HERE

Julie Garwood - Killjoy

After reading a few of Jodi Piccoult's novels, it was high time that I have a changed of authors. Alas, I chose Killjoy by Julie Garwood.

Initially I didn't have much thoughts about this book, but boy was I wronged, the moment I sank my eyes on it I was hooked I tell you. Phew~ Hooo Boy.... No wonder she is the number 1 New York Times bestselling Author and I can vouch for that.

From the very first chapter of the book it was already...exciting!!. The plot was well laid out, and the whole novel was easy to understand. I mean unlike some novels where the plot is everywhere and imagine if you are on a road that is not straight but snaked around, for Julie's it was a perfect straight smooth road which is a pleasure to 'drive'. The storyline was not monotonous at all there are parts which will spring up a surprise to you. Furthermore, the characters in Julie's book was full of life. I am not sure about you guys out there but as I read a novel my mind would create a movie inside and when I read Julie's book it was an instant snap and all the characters are up and moving in my head.

Not only the characters was alive, the way she wrote this book was very descriptive. It was because of this it was even easier to picture it in my mind on how the characters move, talk, their characteristics and more.

Just to arouse your curiosity, here is a short plot summary of the book:

Avery Delaney is not your average woman nor did she led a happy childhood life, after her birth she was abandoned by her rapacious and conniving mother and she was raised by her grandmother and her beloved Aunt Carolyn. Then, when she was eleven, witnessed her grandmother's violent death, before Avery was shot herself and left for dead. Miraculously she survived. The man responsible is serving time in a Florida prison.

After she grew up she joined the FBI. Her razor sharp mind and ability to decipher evidence have made her an expert crime analyst for the FBI. Now, she will have to use her skills on a case that hits painfully close to home.

Avery's beloved aunt Carolyn was on her way to a posh spa in the Colorado Mountains, but she never arrived at the spa. With scant clues and fewer resources, Avery must track Carolyn down and outmaneuver a brilliant professional killer named Monk, who is part of an elaborate plot of madness and lethal vengeance. While solving the case, Avery accidentally bumped into a guy who she hated right down to her guts. So could Avery be able to solve the case on time and save her beloved aunt and would she the guy she hated so much delay her?

I would give this novel a 9/10. If you want to know the whole story, I would recommend you to get the book. Happy readings~

Jodi Piccoult - Handle with Care

Handle with care - Everything breaks, some things just hurt more than others. That was written on the covers of Jodi Piccoult's newest novel. Up to today I have read three of Jodi's Novels and each gets better.

Without any doubt, Piccoult has done it again with this novel. It was a novel well plotted and the moment you feast your eyes on it, and you find yourself flipping the pages digesting every bit down.

Before I go on, most of Jodi's novels that I have read so far is pretty much involve with legal matters. Her stories revolve around the real world. Her gave all her characters life, as you read it, it is as if each and every character is alive and playing in your head.

Handle with care is some what pretty much similar with My sister's keeper another one of Piccoult's masterwork. In this novel it talks about a certain illness, Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) which deals with brittle bones that breaks easily, It talks about this family the O'Keefes who wanted another child real bad. In a way, through God's blessing Charlotte O'Keefe was pregnant. But sadly, the joy came to an end when they found out that the baby has OI type III. From then on it was a whirl wind for the lives of the O'Keefees. One fine day, the O'Keefes has learned that someone could be blame for the suffering their family had to go through especially their daughter with OI. They are able to sue the gynecologist for wrongful birth, but there was a problem, the person that they will be suing would be their best friend. How would this story end? It is for you to find out.

I would give this Novel a 9/10. As I mentioned earlier the book was nicely plotted and not very confusing. Characters are full of life and the story was touching. The ending was a surprise ending. We could also see that Piccoult has put in a lot effort and research before writing this novel which resulted in a gripping, detailed novel. I do recommend this book to you guys, that is if you don't mind sad stories.

Book Review: Salem Falls by Jodi Piccoult

Recently I am pretty much hooked up with Jodi Piccoult's books. I find them really good and it just catches my attention and makes me want to read more of it.

Recently, I finished the second book I bought written by Jodi called 'Salem Falls'. In this novel, it tells the tale of Jack St.Bride an unlucky man who was accused of Rape. The first accusation has caused Jack his career and to live a normal life. After serving his due., Jack moved to Salem Falls in search of a new life. It was fate that brought Jack to Do-O-Diner and at the same time met the love of his life Addie Peabody.

Salem Falls

But not along after that Jack St. Bride was once more convicted of rape by a group of teenage girls practicing witch craft. Jack became their target for their malicious act. The entire town is searching for answers and once again Jack has to prove his innocence at the same time would the woman who fell for him believe he is innocent? Read the Novel to know the outcome.

After finishing the novel, I must say Jodi has done it again. The entire novel was well plotted and interesting. Characters are very much alive and you can feel and see that Jodi has done a lot a research. Every chapter was gripping and not at all dry nor bland.

My Sister's Keeper

My next Jodi Piccoult novel would be 'My Sister's Keeper' I have started reading already and I find it hard to tear my eyes of it. Will do a review on it when I am done with the Novel. Kudos to Jodi for writing good and gripping novels.