NZ.Random();: July 2009

Kiwi

Please watch the clip before proceeding.

First as a backgrounder, a kiwi is a small flightless nocturnal bird. Strangely enough, the kiwi is also New Zealand's national symbol and identity.

The short film incites powerful emotions. You can see the short film in two distinct ways:

One, you may see it as the kiwi pursuing its dream of flight even to its death. We sometimes refuse to accept things we cannot change. We are born with a unique set of talents, and it takes wisdom to acknowledge your limitations. A kiwi, who has tiny wings, should not aspire for flight; their body is just not designed that way. It is a futile task and the kiwi will end up wasting a lot of time and effort. On the other hand, we should focus on the things we are good at, and excel on those.

Alternately, you may see it as the kiwi overcoming the impossible for its quest for flight. The kiwi has set its mind on a particular goal, and it gave its all for the realization of that goal. Technological advancements of today, all came from men and women who once had a goal, a goal deemed impossible during their times. They persevered and succeeded against all odds. As it turns out, our achievements will be limited by our goals.

We run into trouble when we get the two points mixed up. We held on when it is not for us and we gave up when we should have persevered. Life is indeed difficult, but this prayer might help:

God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
the courage to change the things I can;
and the wisdom to know the difference.

Movie Review: Transformers Revenge of the Fallen

1 comments

I had colossal expectations for this movie given the impressive first Michael Bay Transformers movie. I am all praises for the first movie, though I am not sure I could say the same this time.

First, I need to establish that the movie falls into the science fiction/action category; this is not the kind of movie that will merit an award in the acting division. What it is however, is a CGI masterpiece, very different from whence Transformers first came out 20 odd years ago. The special effects and the action scenes are one of the best. It features two of the hottest stars today. It also boasts the best sound effects and soundtrack ever.

The sequel has more robots than you can possibly remember (unless you are a huge fan). Some will draw your attention, but because of the sheer number of characters, quite a few are forgettable. Decepticon Wheelie (the remote control toy) is hilarious. He provided the most needed comedy relief on an otherwise almost dry movie. Autobots Skids and Mudflap however are not funny at all. The fight scenes are awesome but there are a couple of head-scratchers like the seemingly invincible Megatron (he just won’t die) and Alice, the university stalker, who turns out to be a robot (what the…?).

High point of the movie is the Constructicons. I know it is a tall order translating them from cartoons to the big screen, but they did it, quite well if I may add. Five huge robots, joining into a one huge robot is… well… huge. Decepticon Shockwave is a welcome addition to the cast, but I prefer him to be an Earth-based character.

The movie is quite long, approximately two and a half hours. Some parts are bit dragging to be honest. Scenes with Sam’s mom and roommate are too long and unnecessary, not to mention cheesy. Agent Simmons became boring in the sequel. Megan Fox however is still Megan Fox (nuff said).

It is disappointing to note that horrendous plot holes almost cripple the movie. If you have seen the movie, you would know what I mean. However, if you have not yet seen the movie, I would suggest leaving you brain outside the theatres and enjoy the movie as it is.

As a bonus, the movie soundtrack is worth checking as well. It features rocking tunes from the most popular bands of today. Most notable on the collection is Linkin Park’s rocking new single, New Divide and Green Days’s 21 Guns.

Overall, I would recommend the movie. Autobots, roll out.