tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-378022182024-03-08T09:52:36.875-11:00Betty Boop's ReviewsUzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546598626824830828noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37802218.post-50766670579920287312007-08-07T22:52:00.000-11:002007-08-08T01:00:27.705-11:00Tank - Sex, Love & Pain<span style="font-family:lucida grande;color:#ff0000;">Tank - Sex, Love and Pain</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">This is Tank's third outing and its such a good effort.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">His second album was blah for me and his debut effort was just okay helped along by the amazing song and video - Maybe i Deserve.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">This is a grown up cd for us adults. It is unapologetically an R&B cd. And it isnt pretending to be a pop cd nor are there songs on this album that will be cross over hits. Its just songs about the title of this album - Sex, Love and Pain.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I know that Tank is a pretty good songwriter especially since he has penned songs for the likes of the late Aaliyah, Jamie Foxx, Chris Brown, Omarion and co but his vocal abilities i thought were just okay. I was wrong. He has a fabulous voice reminiscent of Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">There are 12 songs on this cd and a few of the stand out tracks for me are:</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Please Don't Go</span> - a song about yearning and his delivery just hits the spot</span></li><li><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">I Hate You</span> - this uptempo number is actually bitterness personified but its a little hard to dwell on that since it so damn catchy</span></li><li><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">I'm Coming Home</span> - is simply a beautiful song</span></li><li><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Heartbreaker </span>- this is the reason why i bought this album. Its just such an R&B track that had me thinking of the good old days of Boyz II Men, Keith Sweat etc</span></li><li><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">My Body</span> - you would think that with a title like this, this would be a sexual song but its actually sweet. "My body is now your body". Its the ultimate in giving yourself over completely to another person.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I think that Tank could have done better especially since there are so many other artists trying to play in this same genre but i dont think its a bad attempt compared to the debacle that was his second album. He also produces most of the tracks on this cd. Interestingly, the only song i dont like on this album is produced by Timbaland and is the last track on the cd called I Love Them Girlz....</span></p><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I score this a 7 out of 10</span></p><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span> </p>Uzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546598626824830828noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37802218.post-11474278151298656782007-07-31T22:08:00.000-11:002007-07-31T23:03:40.575-11:00Marian Keyes - Sushi for BeginnersSo i am resurrecting this blog more for me....<br /><br />A lot of people derive pleasure from surrounding themselves with people, drinking, clubbing etc. But i am a loner and love nothing more than to curl up with a good book, or movie or some good music and i am good. When i hang out, i like to do quiet things - restaurants, lounges, plays et all. So here we are....<br /><br />Marian Keyes is an author i enjoy immensely. I was introduced to her in my university days when i read "Lucy Sullivan is getting married". Hilarious.<br /><br />In the mood for some light "chick lit", i picked up this book and it was worth every moment.<br /><br />The book revolves around 3 women going through ish.....<br /><br />There's Clodagh who is fulltime housewife with 2 hyper active kids, Lisa - a glamorous London magazine editor shipped off to Dublin to start a magazine instead of to New York which she expected and Ashling - a compulsive Ms Fix-it that lands a job as Lisa's assistant. Ashling is also Clodagh's best friend.<br /><br />The lives of these 3 ladies intersect with hilarious and life altering results. There are men, juicy scandals, fashion tips, bitchiness and broken hearts. What i especially love about Marian Keyes is the fact that underneath all the humour, ease of reading and "lightheartedness", she touches on real issues. The most poignant for me is the fact family history play a huge part in who each of these women is...<br /><br />A lovely book with all the things that make for fun reading but with a little food for thought as well..<br /><br />I would rate this 7 out of 10Uzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546598626824830828noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37802218.post-25183983667199823092007-07-26T02:51:00.000-11:002007-07-26T02:53:05.894-11:00Update<span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I have not had the time to update this blog but i have so many books, cds and stuff i have racked up...So i shall make the effort to update every now and again</span>Uzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546598626824830828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37802218.post-1168942899468019502007-01-15T23:04:00.000-11:002007-07-26T02:56:33.724-11:00Happy Feet<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/8061/3748/1600/462101/happy%20feet.jpg"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/8061/3748/320/588020/happy%20feet.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Characters voiced by Elijah Wood, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Robin Williams</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I love this movie. Its definitely one to own and it has a killer sounndtrack as well. A whole bunch of penguins that sing and sing. This gorgeous couple (Kidman and Jackman) have a little one. Since mommy and daddy sing so beautifully, it is expected that son will follow suit. So wrong. Instead, son seems to have something wrong with his feet that makes him tap dance and he cant sing to save his life.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Being the outsider, he is sent away from the tribe and he bumps into a whole bunch of mexican penguins and of course Lovelace (Williams). Lovelace has an interesting necklace and claims to be in contact with the spirits. Oh and he has a voice like Barry White and all the ladies love him.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">There is a fish shortage and off little Mambo (Wood) goes to save the day.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">A great story, and the music is sooo beautiful. If animation is your thing, definitely see this. </span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I would give this 8/10</span>Uzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546598626824830828noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37802218.post-1168598639042782462007-01-11T23:24:00.000-11:002007-07-26T02:55:24.463-11:00Night at the Museum<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8061/3748/1600/night%20at%20th4e%20museum.jpg"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/8061/3748/320/573820/night%20at%20th4e%20museum.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br />Starring: Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Ricky Gervais.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I went to see this movie last night and it was exactly what i needed. This is such a funny, easy movie. </span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Ben Stiller plays Larry, a divorced dad with a 10 year old son that cant hold down a job. As a last resort, he accepts a museum gig only to find out that its a night guard job. The museum comes alive at night with hilarious consequences. Robin Williams is a hoot as Teddy Roosevelt - the 26th president of the United States (a fact that he reminds us about at every opportunity). Owen Wilson is a cowboy called Jedidiah and he is mega funny. </span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I love Ben Stiller and i think he can do no wrong and he doesnt disappoint me. There is a message within this movie but its not till the end that we get it. The special effects are amazing and i feel Larry's fear as the Lions from the Mammals of Africa room chase him down the hall. He is called dum-dum by some statue, receives no help from the retiring guards, his son prefers his mother's new boyfriend who is a stockbroker, some silly monkey tore his instruction book to shreds...it is not a good life for the man.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">It all turns around hilariously. I definitely want to own this when it comes out on DVD.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I give this 8/10</span>Uzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546598626824830828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37802218.post-1168340777560608052007-01-08T23:50:00.000-11:002007-07-26T03:00:48.961-11:00Nollywood - Shut In<span style="font-family:lucida grande;">This movie stars: Bimbo Manuel, Stephanie Okereke and Martins Uroh (of Gulder Ultimate Search 2 fame).</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Bimbo Manuel plays a very successful but overprotective father of 2 and husband. He provides the best for his family but will not allow his kids go out or socialize. They have everything they need at home so he sees no point in additional socializing outside school. Seems to stem from childhood issues. He has kids from several women</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Stephanie Okereke plays his wife. She has a shop and is always at loggerheads with the fact that the kids are stifled. She is an ideal world in other respects. The marriage seems to have settled into routine so no passion here.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">The Kids - There is a daughter who is about 15 and a son who is about 18 from a different woman.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Reviewing can be hard without giving things away but this movie deals with an issue that is taboo everywhere in the world let alone in Nigeria where the thought of it would be outlawed if possible. It is dramatic. The movie is well shot with interesting camera angles. The dialogue is minimal but so crisp and every word is loaded and adequately conveys to the viewer what's going on with the character.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">The use of sound and music is appropriate. There is a haunting track that runs throughout the movie. Its not a bother and just envelops the viewer in the movie and the dilemma.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">There is the arrival of yet another stepson from the States and he is obviously more worldly than the 2 at home. So there is the fight to expose his siblings to the world even if it means him acting as a chaperone.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">This movie is a must see. It is a damn good movie. I was totally swept along with the story and the characters and is one of the better Nollywood efforts. It is especially great because it can be a great crossover movie. The story, right down to the end can be transferred to any society and make sense and be plausible.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">However, it is one of those movies that i love and will own but will probably never watch again simply because it is so intense and i cant handle it again. Sort of like The Notebook, Monster and Monster's Ball.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I give this movie a resounding 9/10. See this if you can. Definitely a must see.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br /></span>Uzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546598626824830828noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37802218.post-1168252224083634862007-01-07T23:23:00.000-11:002007-07-26T03:07:21.042-11:00Catherine Coulter - Deception Point<span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I will not even bother putting up a picture of this. I was so disappointed with this book. I started reading romance novels again a few months ago and its really hard to find one that is awful. My favorites would be historical romance novels since i think of myself as an old soul and of course i love romance. </span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">This book was so hard to read. The plot revolves around a plot to find some hidden treasure in the hero's manor house thing. Heroine is under duress since her father has been kidnapped and she has to act according to the orders of the bad guy. Interesting plot that has so much potential but the words dragged and the scenes dragged and it was so preachy. I barely made it through.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">A 3/10</span>Uzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546598626824830828noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37802218.post-1167667402734698962007-01-01T04:46:00.000-11:002007-07-26T03:06:39.559-11:00Deja Vu<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/8061/3748/1600/370947/images.jpg"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/8061/3748/320/68853/images.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br />Oh boy! I love this movie. I am one of the many Denzel Washington fans out there so this movie was definitely on my must see list.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">The plot of the movie revolves around a ferry explosion in New Orleans on Fat Tuesday and the hunt to find the perpetrator and the killer of some gorgeous girl. Both crimes appear related. Denzel plays Doug, an ATF agent assigned to the ferry incident and who stumbles onto the murder of the girl. He is drafted onto a special unit that has some incredible technology that allows people to go back in time - 4 days to be exact.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I am trying not to give too much away but i will say that i loved this. Denzel had some pretty funny lines which i think he pulled off very well. Val Kilmer as part of the special unit was okay. If you watch CSI (the original), the new guy on the block - i forget his name is pretty funny as a young PHD holder that's part of the special unit. Paula Patton (the murdered girl) is sooo beautiful. Really beautiful. But after Denzel, acting props have to go to the one and only JC. Jim Caviezel of the Passion of the Christ has presence. Even when he didnt say any words, i just felt his intensity.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I would give this a 8/10. One to own once it comes out on DVD.</span>Uzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546598626824830828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37802218.post-1165916846399570952006-12-11T22:17:00.000-11:002007-07-26T03:06:07.789-11:00Nollywood - The Price of fame<span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I like to watch Nigerian movies. I like to consider myself an expert now....Having been on hiatus from Nollywood for a while, i eased back in with a few that i will be reviewing in the next few posts.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">The Price of Fame stars Ini Edo, Gloria Anozie, Uche Jombo and Michael Ezoronye (sp). Story revolves around a star actress Stephanie James (Ini) dealing with rape issues from her past, a child given up and the emotional loss of her parents. Gloria Anoze plays her manager that has to help mop up a scandal that breaks. Uche Jombo plays Uju a no nonsense mother dealing with health issues. Her child is adopted and is actually Ini Edo's daughter she gave up. Michael plays the role of Jude, Stephanie's childhood friend dealing with paternity issues on his own.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">This is a pretty decent movie by our standards. Ini Edo overacts as usual but not as bably as in other movies. The script is well developed and i didnt even cringe at all. The issue of rape and the perception of the victim was addressed without it being preachy and i really felt Stephanie's pain. Jude was wonderfully played by Michael and the fact that he stood by her through everything made my heart warm. </span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I would give this a 7 out of 10. Worth seeing and one of our better efforts. </span>Uzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546598626824830828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37802218.post-1165480036092584432006-12-06T21:24:00.000-11:002007-07-26T03:05:37.289-11:00Olivia Goldsmith - The Switch<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/8061/3748/1600/451389/d6e6.jpg"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/8061/3748/320/600777/d6e6.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br /></span><br /><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">A piece of fiction that was such an easy read. This book i absolutely loved. Its an old title but i found this book on sale with a few others so i couldnt help myself.</span></p><p><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Where do i begin? This book is hilarious, heartbreaking and serious all at the same time. A suburban housewife who thinks she has it all is excited that her 2 kids are off to college leaving her and her husband alone for the first time in many years. They have everything - house in the suburbs, husband works at her father's BMW dealership so they have twin BMWs in the 2 car garage. She doesnt work but teaches classical piano since she went to Julliard. She is close to her mom and dad. Her brother is a nutcase and his ex wife is an even bigger nut.</span></p><p><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Her plans include romantic dinners, fabulous getaways to Mexico, sexy lingerie and rekindling sparks. Until, she realizes her husband is not interested in any of those things. Not with her anyway. He has a mistress that lives in a Condo across the way. A confrontation leaves both stunned. The mistress is a carbon copy of wife. 20 years younger. Wife is what the mistress will look like in 20 years. Capisce?</span></p><p><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">After a lot of crying and smashing of dishes and even driving a BMW into the pool, wife realises that she wants to be the mistress. To get the roses and the hot sex. Mistress just wants to be a wife and plan the perfect thanksgiving dinner. Therein: The Switch. A nip and a tuck and a strict diet for wife. Mistress darkens her blonde hair and piles on a few pounds and voila.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Hilarious consequences. But underneath all this, as a woman i felt for both parties. When i wasnt smiling and giggling, i was saddened at the potential prospects of being an old married woman. I breezed through this book in 3 days. 9 out of 10<br /></span></p>Uzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546598626824830828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37802218.post-1165221804626722032006-12-03T21:04:00.000-11:002007-07-26T03:04:52.557-11:00Casino Royale!<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/8061/3748/1600/79911/casino.jpg"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/8061/3748/320/408834/casino.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Okay. As a huge fan of James Bond and all things Bond related, i was distressed at the choice of Daniel Craig to be my James. I just didnt get it. He is blond and has blue eyes. He is unknown to me and during shooting of this movie, i read he lost teeth and got hurt. James Bond does not get hurt. So i was prepared to hate this movie and Daniel Craig some more.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Daniel Craig is intense. It took me almost 30 minutes while watching the movie to let go of images of Pierce Brosnan, Timothy Dalton and Sean Connery and appreciate Daniel. He acted the hell out of this movie. Since this is a prequel, Bond is very crass, rough around the edges and hasnt achieved that suave debonair thing that is soooo James Bond. I am still a bit weirded out by the blond thing (there was a scene with a close up of his eyes and the eyelashes and eyebrows just got to me) but i will take back all the words of disdain i threw at Craig. Logically, i know that subsequent movies will have James evolving into the character we now love so i shall give Craig a break.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">The plot of this movie is plausible. The bad guy Le Chiffre is one very weird fellow (as Bond villians shoud be), the Bond girls are alright and the theme song doesnt have the words "Casino Royale" in it (By the way, i believe there are only 3 Bond theme songs that dont incorporate the title of the movie in some way).</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">The gadgets - well seeing as James Bond had just gotten double 0 status, he didnt have access to any of the fun stuff. I mean, he started out driving a Ford. But the movie goes on to give background as to the reason why Bond has a thing for Aston Martins. The pre-requisite product placements (done tastefully of course) were there for Sony Ericcson phones, Sony Vaio, Jaguar etc.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">The stunts in this movie are pretty brutal. Breath taking but not outlandish like Bond movies of old. Stunts are more along the lines of Mission Impossible type movies. And another thing: In this movie, James Bond bleeds and hurts. I mean he is roughed up good and it shows. There are some breathtakingly beautiful scenes shot in Europe - so amazing.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">All in all, i have to watch this movie again. Just because i feel ready to drop all my pre-conceived notions and appreciate this movie for what it is. I would give this a 7 out of 10. Its a good flick. Its just really tough competing with Bonds of old.</span>Uzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546598626824830828noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37802218.post-1164880951118500712006-11-29T22:22:00.000-11:002007-07-26T03:04:12.877-11:00Al Dente!<span style="font-family:lucida grande;">Al Dente is an italian restaurant on the top floor of City Mall in Onikan.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I stumbled upon this restaurant 2 weekends ago when i went to see a movie with some friends. After the movie we wanted to have lunch and the wooden doors that serve as the entrance to this restaurant looked so inviting. So in we went.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">The ambience of this little restaurant is so lovely. Some armchairs for some tables and some of the seats have a view of the road. Okay...not so great with all the traffic and all but at night, its really nice. The artwork decorating the walls are authentic enough. Not modern scenes of Italy but depictions of old Rome. Busts of Julius Ceasar lookalikes, some reproductions of Michelangelo work. Really lovely.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">The menu is basic but has variety. Sandwiches, salads, appetizers. Appetizers include classics like Buschetta and Fried Calamari. We had the calamari to start which was served with a garlic sauce. My friend had the fillet steak with a peppercorn sauce served with vegetables and french fries. Not so italian there. I opted for the Fettuccini Alfedo wich had tons of mushrooms and chicken. Not bad. The pasta selection is limited though but adequate. We didnt opt for dessert or wine but both selections seem adequate.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">The service is really good too. We were shown to our table and drinks arrived in less than 5 minutes. The food arrived very quickly and the tab came to about N5,000 including service charge.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I would definitely go there again and give this cute restaurant an 8 out of 10.</span>Uzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546598626824830828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37802218.post-1164707425204612222006-11-27T21:54:00.000-11:002007-07-26T03:02:21.331-11:00David Baldacci - The Camel Club<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8061/3748/1600/aheowhr.jpg"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/8061/3748/320/aheowhr.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">This is a thriller not unlike what David Baldacci is known for. I am a huge fan of his and this book doesnt disappoint. </span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">The camel club is actually a conspiracy club of sorts made up of misfits that spend most of their day firmly planted in front of the White House with placards and signs. One of the misfits however - Oliver Stone is a tormented man with deep secrets. The plot revolves around Islam, terrorists, the president, his chief security advisor and many government agencies. We must not forget Secret Service agent Alex Ford.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">The book is slow to begin with but when it gets going, it really gets going. The action scenes are intense without being over the top. The plot is plausible especially in the United States of today where fear and the fallout of 9/11 has meant invasion of privacy and the formation of agencies like the Department of Homeland Security whose roles are blurred at best.</span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">The only major complaint i have about the book is its slight preachiness in dealing with issues like Islam, religious tolerance, extremists etc. I understand what Baldacci was trying to do. He was trying to provide insight into the many misconceptions about Islam especially for the American people and giving reasons for the intense dislike for America but his execution comes through like sermons which doesnt work too well for me. </span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">I would give this a 7 out of 10. Not a bad effort from Baldacci.<br /></span>Uzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546598626824830828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37802218.post-1164624953852791312006-11-26T23:53:00.000-11:002007-07-26T03:01:44.771-11:00Welcome<span style="font-family:lucida grande;">This blog is dedicated to reviewing media that i experience. I will air my opinions on books, movies, magazines, music, restaurants, shows etc. Just my views and me having a blast. So enjoy!</span>Uzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546598626824830828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37802218.post-1164624775622285562006-11-26T22:26:00.000-11:002007-07-26T03:01:21.779-11:00The Amazing Grace<a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/8061/3748/1600/547269/amazing.jpg"><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger/8061/3748/320/920713/amazing.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br /><br />I finally got round to seeing this movie over the weekend.<br /><br />This is the first Nigerian movies to be shot on 35mm and is directed by Jeta Amata. Its stars Fred Amata, Joke Jacobs and there is a cameo by Zack Amata.<br /><br />I have to say that as i watched this movie, i was filled with pride. Pride in the beauty of Cross River State, pride in the beauty of the language and of our custome depicted in the movie.<br /><br />I have to say though, that the movie was just okay for me. It isnt as interesting or engrossing as some of the better Nollywood efforts but obviously, the quality is a lot better. Joke Jacobs in the narrative is great as always. She has excellent command of the english language so listening to her is always a pleasure.<br /><br />The premise of the story - about John Newton, the slave trader that is touched by a particular cargo of slaves and based on the folk song sung by these people, goes onto to pen Amazing Grace to that same music is believable but not perfectly executed. I didnt really feel Nick Moran's performance so much. I didnt feel the truth of his conversion. Fred Amata's performance was just okay. I have no knowledge of the Efik language but i got the feeling that his accent was off and his words forced. The best acting has to go to the beautiful young woman that played Ansa. I felt her bewilderment at their plight and at John Newton.<br /><br />This movie is beautifully shot and takes advantage of the scenery of Cross River State. I know that Donald Duke must be so proud. The music in this movie is amazing. This is a soundtrack i would love to own. Sammie Okposo is to be commended in this regard.<br /><br />I would give this movie a 6 out of 10. Not the most engaging plot but the beauty of the scenes, the fact that the movie stayed true to Nigerian customs and the authenticity with majority of the movie in Efik are a major plus here.<br /><br /></span>Uzohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08546598626824830828noreply@blogger.com4