Cinema Bizarre vs. Tokio Hotel

[from left to right] Kiro (bass), Yu (guitar), Strify (vocal), Rom3o (keyboard), & Shin (drums)

I'm not sure which online buddy sent ma link to "Lovesongs (They Kill Me)" video, but I immediately thought they failed despite their inspiration from jrock bands and artists. Looking at their work now, they have gone more the glam rock route than Tokio Hotel.


Band Chemistry
Unlike Tokio Hotel, the spotlight seems to be immediately set on the pretty boy blondes, Strify and Kiro. The others seem to sit back and just be cool, laid back background items. Sometimes it seems like they're in their own little world while Strify and Kiro pass the microphone between them and Strify is definitely the camerawhore of the group, always wanting to be in the spotlight. It's kinda sickening.

Appearance
Cinema Bizarre depend on appearance a lot. Taking advantage of their glam pop/rock label and having fun with their jrock influences in costumes and make-up, makes me believe that making amazing music is a second priority, like a gorgeous jrock indies band with mediocre musical abilities.

Music
Cinema Bizarre is more like 90's keyboard pop/rock bands like Orgy or Deadsy, just less mind blowing. Their music definitely sticks to you whether you like it or not. Balancing memorable guitar riffs, consistent bass lines, and mystic keyboard sounds give the band musical potential. Strify's vocals aren't that bad either especially combined with ex-keyboardist Luminor's hauntingly deep voice luring you in.





Music Videos
From what I've seen, the band bases their videos on beauty shots and sometimes dramatic special effects a lot. At times, their visuals do not relate to the lyrics or mood of the music at all. It seems they pick things that look cool and put half an effort into performing emotionally. "Forever or Never" and "Lovesongs (They Kill Me)" are the only partially decent videos that I somewhat enjoyed.




Live
As mentioned before, I believe Cinema Bizarre cares more about appearance than their music. They tend to use their fans to make up for their lack of energy and still kinda obivously half-ass their performance by worrying about their hair and doing a poor job of fanservice, if you can even call it that. Sometimes it appears that Kiro is lazily plucking away at his bass while Strify tries to imitate Miyavi's sexy hip movements while distancing themselves from their fans on an emotional or at least more intimate level.



[from left to right] Gustav (bass), Bill (vocal), Tom (guitar), & Georg (drums)
I don't remember exactly how I got into this German pop/rock band, but I think my curiousity peaked from a former LiveJournal friend and many Bill and Tom icons prodding me mentally. I checked out their music and videos and fortunately caught them before their growing popularity in the U.S.

Band Chemistry
Reviewing a few clips they made for U.S. fans and some making of's for their music videos, the members get along very well like old high school buddies. Lately, with their growing popularity overseas, the balance has been thrown off by putting the Kaulitz twins in the spotlight and forcing Gustav and Georg to plaster a smile on their face and go along for the ride in the backseat.

Appearance
Opposite of Cinema Bizarre, Tokio Hotel don't waste time with coerdinated outfits or entricate costumes. They just wear whatever suits them and stay comfortable with themselves. They do keep themselves together like putting time into accessories, hair, and minimal make-up.

Music
Even though their music wasn't uber hardcore, headbanging rock, but it's simple, catchy rock songs that shouldn't challenge many aspiring musicians to learn. Tokio Hotel's music vary from catchy, group participation songs like "Schrei"/"Scream" and slow songs that make you sway to the acoustics like "Durch den Monsum"/"Monsoon". No matter what the song is, their music will stick to you even if you don't enjoy them.





Music Videos
Once you've gain major reign of your country's tweens and teens, bands usually go all out with cinematography and special effects. Tokio Hotel have kept their videos simple, yet creative to keep viewers', old and new, attention. "Der Letzte Tag" took the band on a rooftop to perform for their fans below. "Rette Mich"/"Rescue Me" has a few effects, but fits the mood of the music and lyrics to pull you in.




Live
Fortunately (or unfortunately), I've had the chance to see these guys live, during their first U.S. tour. Basing off of what I've seen on my computer and what I've seen in person, I believe they depend on their fans too much to make up for their lack of energy like Cinema Bizarre. They are on the edge of making a great stage performance, but they hold back with their upbeat songs and don't add enough passion to their slower songs to truly connect with their fans on an emotional level.

Overall Evaluation
Both bands have great musical potential, especially if they plan on taking over other countries outside of Germany. They also have the potential to put on an amazing live if they both take a couple months vacation to Japan and observe their jrock idols on stage to improve their band chemistry on and off stage, their interaction and connection with their insane, rabid fans, and their energy level with every song they perform. If they both improve on those points, then there would be some major competition between them like Backstreet Boys and *N'SYNC. But for now, I think Tokio Hotel is a step ahead of the game compared to Cinema Bizarre.

Quick Movie Review

Exte: Hair Extensions [Ekusute] (2007, Japan) | Rating: 4/5

I was a little hesitant on buying the movie, because I never watched it, but a reliable friend enjoyed it and it was directed by the great Sion Sono. Comparing this to his previous works of "Suicide Club" and "Strange Circus", this movie seems a little lighter in plot line and almost comical. The characters are interesting and definitely make you have an opinion of them and the story moves smoothly with the hair admirer and aspiring hair stylist's agendas colliding into a bizarre climax and a satisfying conclusion.



Tokyo Tower (2005, Japan) | Rating: 2.5/5

I must admit the only reason I watched this movie was for Jun Matsumoto, but the storyline gave me more of an initiative to watch it. Junichi Okada did a very good job with Matsumoto of portraying young men interested in older women as well as best friends. The story is very sweet and has all the right twists and turns for Asian romance lovers, and possibly Jun fans, but for me, it was definitely not my cup of tea. For a movie that doesn't appeal to a genre I normally don't watch, it was pretty decent.



Arang (2006, South Korea) | Rating: 1.5/5

Recommended by a couple online friends, I decided to watch it with one of my friends last year. Honestly, I think I've become a little picky about ghost movies, especially Asian ones. The storyline didn't interest me that much, but it was executed in a somewhat interesting set up that raised questions in the viewer's mind. Unfortunately, the characters didn't draw me in and I became bored toward the middle. Once the climax point hit, my interest peaked, as well as my friend's, and I ended up enjoying the ending moreso than the rest of the movie leading up to it.



Tale of Two Sisters [Janghwa, Hongryeon] (2003, South Korea) | Rating: 4.5/5

My friend (and co-host, if you watch our online show) brought this movie to me one day and let me borrow it for a few days afterward. I think I watched it at least three times to get a full grasp of everything that happened and yet curiosity still lingered. This is a movie you definitely have to keep your focus on at all times or you'll miss some important pieces to figuring out the madness between these two girls and the house they're living in. The story is pure genius and it was treated like a true masterpiece by the director. It's a shame the U.S. wanted to recreate something simply untouchable.

Quick Movie Review

The Strangers (2008, USA) | Rating: 3/5

Adding to the consistent stream of bad horror movies in America, this film is borderline bad. The storyline caught my attention and I dragged my friends to see it. I normally don't get scared and the friends I went with normally don't either, but we clung to each other a lot and one of them wanted to leave the theater a few times like a few movie goers. The movie used suspense to their advantage and most times when you suspect something to happen, it doesn't, then catches you off guard with the killers' attacks. The dialogue was lacking a lot, the character development was limited, and the conclusion left questions open in the air.



Speed Racer (2008, USA) | Rating: 3.5/5

I'll admit that I wasn't expecting for this to be a box office hit due to its highly anticipated competitors "The Hulk", "Iron Man", and "Dark Knight" and I mostly rushed to see it because of Rain. I used to be a fan of the old "Speed Racer" cartoon when they aired it on Nickelodeon. The storyline pretty much followed the classic TV show and the actors did a very good job performing each memorable character. The visuals were beyond stunning, balancing computer graphics and real life products then pumping the film with extra vivid color to add intensity to the pace of the movie. Although the ending is pretty cliché, "Speed Racer" fans can be proud of the movie.



Visitor Q [Bijitâ Q] (2001, Japan) | Rating: 2.5/5

I was curious to watch this film because (1) it was directed by the great Takashi Miike and I'm a fan of his work and (2) the storyline sounded very interesting. Plus, controversy intrigues me. The movie was executed well and the format was different from other movies he's done that I've previously viewed. There is a lot of stomach churning moments such as prostitution, drugs, incest, lactating, bullying, and necrophilia. Not many movies disgust me, but this is one of them. The movie is very strange and so far it's my least favorite from Takashi. Take caution before watching this film.



Eternal Summer [Sheng xia guang nian] (2006, Taiwan) | Rating: 1.5/5

I rented this movie a while ago when we used to have a Hasting's and I vaguely remember all the details of the movie. The storyline is what convinced me to rent the movie and it was pretty interesting. It kept my attention, even though a certain song got overused throughout the whole movie and the main female character was a bit annoying. The movie is good if you're easily pleased by predictable endings in this crazy little love triangle. Somewhere toward the end of the movie, I got kinda bored and the ending kinda upset me with the main characters not completely telling each other everything. So, if you want a cheesy homosexual movie with a mediocre happy ending, then this is your movie.

Quick Music Review

aicle. - Shinzo (2009, Japan) | Rating: 4.5/5

It was nice to hear that aicle. finally made it up in status to produce their first album. It made me very excited to listen to it and I was definitely not disappointed with the results. The album displays tons of potential of even more improvement as well as the band's growth in their unique oshare abilities. They still maintain to stand out from other oshare kei bands by using voice effects, hints of sound effect touches in certain areas, and catchy melodies. So, if you haven't had a chance to listen to this band or didn't like their previous material that much, I would give their album a listen.



Dali - mind stripper (2009, Japan) | Rating: 4/5

Dali keeps their everlasting strong guitar lines and odd sounds to lure their fans into the strange ride called "fictional dive". Ren takes advantage of his vocal range from a hush tone to something that pops out just a little more with the band's unique sound. "喜劇に傘" brings Dali fans to remember their signature sound and shows off their growth of creativity by mixing up their heavy hitting sound with softness and sorrow. Wild heavy guitars and ridiculously quick drumming bring in the next track, "ごっこ". Ren decides to take advantage of his wild side and go just as crazy as the song suggests he should do. "a habit" brings a little calmer sound of Ren's voice with a nice, soft piano to compliment it. This track displays Dali's more tamer and normal side of their music with skillful softness of guitars and drums and the right amount of bass to give the song a little something special. "glad09" closes out the CD with dance beats and a catchy guitar.



Kagrra, - Shu (2009, Japan) | Rating: 3.5/5

Never failing to keep the original genre of "Neo Japanesque" rock, Kagrra, manages to keep that alive in their newest album. Listening to the album, I noticed that not only did the band stick to their original sound of mixing traditional Japanese elements to rock ones, but that they decided to experiment with other musical elements such as jazz-like sounds and getting a little deeper into standard rock roots. Honestly, the first time I heard the album I felt a little iffy about it and that Kagrra, was beginning to go into a cliche jrock sound, but hearing it again, I can appreciate the creative effort put into the finish product.



Lolita23q - 【Marble_Shaking_Ward】 (2009, Japan) | Rating: 4/5

Lolita23q have grown up a lot over the years. Starting with typical elements of oshare kei and moving forward to add their own creative twist to the genre, this album defines the band's transformation from their previous works. In their newest album, they take us on a journey through various areas of their musical abilities by using oshare elements, electronic dance sounds, soft, calming tones, and pure Lolita23 rock! Even though they have changed from their old sound, I think they have been going in the right direction and this album proves it.



machine - PHASE ONE "SPEED" (2009, Japan) | Rating: 4.5/5

Kiyoshi immediately reels in the audience with powerful guitar sounds in "BOOSTER" and Hakuei sets the tone for this speedy little track with a great bass like that tags along perfectly with the tempo set by the duo. Distorted sounds soon follow for the next track and a catchy guitar melody starts up "FASHION". This track keeps the mini-album's energy high from the previous track and keeps listeners moving around in their seats. Slowing the tempo just a little bit and adding deep bass tones with consistent catchy guitar riffs, Hakuei's voice lures us into the intrancing sounds of "SHERRY". I must admit, I believe this is my favorite track off the whole mini-album and it's worth listening to it a couple more times before moving onto the next track. Speeding up the tempo to a super quick pace of drums and vocals, "new human gate" wakes up the remaining senses that are still on snooze. I believe this song has the most energy than any other track on the CD. Quick drumming patterns and a rushing guitar riff introduce the last track of the mini-album, "SHAKE". Even though the song is very fast pace like the whole CD, they give you a little break and slow down things smoothly, but bring things back to speed to leave a lasting musical rush in your head.

Quick Music Review

the GazettE - DISTRESS & COMA (2009, Japan) | Rating: 4/5

Sticking with powerful guitars and dark lyrics, "Distress and Coma" definitely follows along the lines of the band's previous singles, LEECH and Guren. "headache man" is a little more fast paced and has a little group participation to add more energy to the overall song. To end the single, the band leaves their fans mesmerized with melodic acoustics and raw emotional vocals with "Without a Trace". Overall, the single has a little bit of every element GazettE brings to the table: original new sound; fun, fast pace melody; and a soothing, Gaze-esque ballad.



Matenrou Opera - acedia (2009, Japan) | Rating: 3.5/5

Not straying too far from their rock, elegant elements, the band shows improvement and even more promising potential for amazing music. "Hiai to Melancholy" starts the single with an upbeat tempo and keeps Matenrou Opera's majestic sound consistent. The band drifts off to a slightly darker sound with "Faust", but keeps fans in awe with amazing guitars and symphonic sounds. "Lawn Daisy" ends the single with keyboard and "twinkling" effects to keep fans moving to the catchy, upbeat song and a smile on their faces.



Moran - Helpless (2009, Japan) | Rating: 4.5/5

Soothing lounge sounds of piano and saxophones greet us into the band's fourth single. Adding a clever balance of your basic rock instruments and Hitomi's voice, "Helpless" will definitely pull you into a wonderful ride with possibly a few mental flashbacks of those crazy Fatima days. This song will leave a pleasant after taste in your ears for sure. "Konya, tsuki no nai kaigan de" guides you with an undeniable toe-tapping sensation from the drums and guitar introduction and Hitomi's voice consistently flows with the melody changes throughout the whole song. You can't resist moving your hips to the bass line. "Flower Bed" lightens up the mood from the previous song with steady drum patterns and light piano sounds complimenting the band's signature sound.



VAMPS - I GOTTA KICK START NOW (2009, Japan) | Rating: 2.5/5

"I Gotta Kick Start Now" pretty much sounds like your typical Hyde/L'Arc~en~Ciel rock song like "Ready, Steady, GO!" or even "HELLO". The song is very basic, but it's not completely disappointing. The odd melody is undeniably catchy and Hyde's vocals do not disappoint nor does the duet guitaring with his partner K.A.Z. Following Acid Black Cherry's brilliant idea of doing a cover song as a b-side track, the boys decide to cover the catchy Shampoo song, "Trouble". They keep the basic dance-y type elements and add a bit of rock sound to it.

Review: Strange Circus

Starring: Masumi Miyazaki, Issei Ishida, Rei Kuwana, Mai Takahashi, Fujiko, Tomorowo Tacuchi
Directed by: Sion Sono
Language: Japanese
Rating: Unrated
Running Time: 83 minutes


After looking over a few reviews about this great Sion Sono classic, I decided that I wanted to add my input to the list of reviews. I heard many ramblings about Sono's most popular movie Suicide Circle (or "Suicide Club") and finally had the opportunity to watch it, but I'll save my comments on the movie for a later review. Later, I heard a friend of mine talk about another interesting movie called Strange Circus. I never heard of it until she told me about it and none of my other friends had heard of it either until I showed them the movie. Once I saw it on the shelves at Hasting's, before they decided to close down, I knew that I had to have it and hope that it was as good as it sounded. Perhaps even meet the creative standards of Sono's suicide trend movie...and it did! It actually became one of my favorite Asian thrillers and made me more curious about Sono's previous and future works. Now, I could just leave this review at that, but then it wouldn't be much of a review, would it?



Strange Circus tells the tale of a young girl named Mitsuko who seems to be living the normal life, until she sees her parents "making love". She soon runs away from the scene and her father, Gozo, builds a strange interest in his daughter. Confronting her in school, since her father is the principal, he makes sure to let her point out that he is a man and she is a woman. The story moves forward to horrifying thoughts of father/daughter incest and affects Mitsuko's thoughts on her relationship with both of her parents. Later, she is confined to a compact space of a cello case, provided by Gozo, and is forced to watch her parents "make love" through a peephole in the case. After repeated views, the mother Sayuri is oblivious to what is actually happening in her home, until she catches Gozo in the act with their daughter. Feeling that the time is right, Gozo later reveals that Mitsuko has been watching them "make love" through the case and decides to make Sayuri switch places with their daughter, forcing her to watch her husband "make love" to their child who felt an interchangeable connection to her mother. After these events have occurred, Sayuri suddenly becomes envious of Gozo and Mitsuko's relationship and tries to beat and nearly kill her daughter, until a tragic event happens involving an earring.

In the haze of Sayuri's funeral, Mitsuko begins associating herself as her mother, and living this great incestuous relationship with her father. Soon, we are revealed that this twisted tale is actually just a story written by a wheelchair bound author by the name of Taeko. A publishing company is gathered around the table to read the finish product, but a certain pretty face catches Taeko's attention and she ends up dismissing the rest of the men from her home as he interrogates her work. From there, we switch from the story that was written by the author and occasionally the metaphorical scenery of a "strange circus". Within these transitions, we tend to question which is reality, as the DVD box refers.



Strange Circus isn't your typical suspense movie that America normally puts out nowadays, this is definitely the type of movie that if you watch it over and over again, you'll discover something new each time. It's also the type of movie that if you can't handle twisted sexual acts, blood visuals, adoration of self-mutilation, abusive displays between a parent and their child, and a few other horrifying things you wouldn't expect from such a movie, then this might not be the movie for you, especially if you haven't been exposed to Sono's work and possible other directors who are experienced in this field of suspense movies. I would like to describe this movie as somewhat of a rollercoaster ride, at least that's how I felt when I first watched it. Watching this disturbing relationship that Gozo and Mitsuko had and anticipating the moment when Sayuri would find out that Gozo was forcing their child to watch them "make love" as well as repeat the same acts on her, then completely turning from this sorrowful feeling for both the mother and daughter to an upset emotion. You would think a mother would immediately leave her husband once she finds out that he has been having sex with their only child, but it is not the case in this movie. Jealousy builds up in Sayuri and she switches from this caring mother to an abusive one. Then you feel this sense of relief that this twisted story is just a story, until the movie proceeds forward and question which is a story and which is the truth. I think Sono did a spectacular job of balancing the two while using the "strange circus" scene as a metaphor for the happenings in the movie.



Also I think that Sono did a good job choosing actors to portray each character. After being away from the spotlight of the movie scene, Masumi Miyazaki did an amazing job becoming both the derange mother Sayuri and the unique writer Taeko while also going backwards and pretending to be Mitsuko's image of herself, after her mother's death. I thought it'd be quite challenging to switch off in such a wide range, but she did an amazing job of transitioning into all three characters. Also I would like to commend the actresses who had to perform the young Mitsuko and teenage Mitsuko in such a controversial, mature movie. While watching the making of the film, I noticed that they had to remove the younger actress out of certain scenes because of her age, but I wonder if she understands the full concept of what she had to put out there on the screen. Hiroshi Ohguchi had a difficult part of becoming the bastard father figure Gozo of the movie. I can't imagine anyone else playing that part as well as he did. Lastly, Issei Ishida had to go through a gradual character range throughout the whole movie without ruining an important piece of the movie to the viewer.



Aside from great casting choices and an intriguing storyline, Sono put a lot of effort in adding the perfect detail touches to the sets, costumes, and music. Not only do the characters pull us into the story, but the set compliments the mood of the character and script, such as the scene where Mitsuko enters her father's office and exits into an alternate world of red color oozing on the wall, a possible sign of corruption. Even though you might not notice the wardrobe choices of the main characters, the costumes of the circus participants stand out in your mind. From your hostess Madame Regine to the various performers, you can tell that Sono thought about all the details of each person's costumes and how they compliment each other as a whole. As for the music, Sono had specifically chosen certain themes to complete the atmosphere of the character's mood and the environment they're in, such as the classic piece involving light drumming, piano, and an accordion that is played throughout the movie and also by Taeko and the not so cliché circus theme sounds.

Overall, this is a movie you have to watch more than once and catch all the obvious hints and other little details of the environments used and the characters' behavior. The storyline is very unique from your typical American script as well as the slow pace of the whole film, but the speed is worth the untamed climax and the surprise ending. If you haven't seen it, you can probably find it for viewing online or renting it at your local rental store. But I must note that if you're sensitive to the subject of incest, suicide, abuse, and other themes mentioned in this review, I would go with your best judgment on viewing it.

Rating: 5/5

Quick Movie Review

Formula 17 [17 sui de tian kong] (2004, Taiwan) | Rating: 5/5

If you like foreign, homosexual romantic/comedies, then this might be the movie for you. This is definitely a movie I can watch over and over and it never loses its comedic charm. There's great chemistry between the characters and the storyline of a man who has been saving himself for true love is quite enjoyable and entertaining. A few notes for curious viewers, all of the characters in the movie are gay and there are no women in sight.



The Midnight Meat Train (2008, USA) | Rating: 2/5

When I first saw the previews for it in theaters, I immediately thought Hostel on a train, which is basically what the movie is minus the softcore porn scenes and drugs. This suspense thriller isn't anything particularly special. At times the storyline dragged on and you can pretty much predict the outcome of the movie. Although, the ending was kinda surprising, but nothing to make you wake up from this horrid, grusome movie.



Funny Games U.S. (2007, USA) | Rating: 3.5/5

Another movie I saw previews of and wanted to see, but it was in limited theaters and I wasn't able to see it until now. In a way, this Austrian based remake was somewhat worth the wait to see. The plot is interesting and definitely makes you think of the nature of evil, but it also leaves a question or two open when you get to the end of the movie. This might be a sensitive movie to watch since involves sadistic gameplay of two young men with an average family. After watching the movie, I had mixed emotions of being upset and/or annoyed with certain characters and a bit of disappointment.



Itsuka no Kimi e (2007, Japan) | Rating: 4/5

Another homosexual romance movie, but this time it's in Japanese. It was great seeing Takumi Saito starring in another light-hearted movie. It had the same heart-breaking emotion as a previos movie I saw with him in it, Boy's Love, and it still had a hint of comedic moments with Ryûnosuke Kawai's character Hayase. Like Boy's Love, it's worth seeing at least a couple times.

DBSK "Survivor" vs. KAT-TUN "Rescue"

Before I start this comparison post, I must make a few notes. First, I am not a fan of either DBSK and KAT-TUN, so please don't attack me if I'm overly critical or don't know all of the guys' names. Second, this is a totally unbiased opinion, despite the fact I have a couple friends or so who listen to DBSK and one or two who like KAT-TUN. As mentioned before, I'm not a fan of either...I'm more of the outsider (i.e. Arashi, KinKi Kids, H.O.T, Backstreet Boys).





Song
I'll admit, I do like a few DBSK songs, and it kinda threw me off when they used the same little pitter-patter effect as they did for "Purple Line", but was quickly disappointed at the slight circus-like sounds and cheesy voice distortions. They really could've left that out. I did enjoy the harmonies and everyone's voices were on point, but I honestly thought of Duffy's "Mercy" once they hit the chorus. In my opinion, not one of their best songs.

Visuals
We have light versus dark, then we have the rubble with few lights against a technologic, pure white world. I suppose that's a bit creative. I like the darker setting more than the clean cut white set up, since it looks natural and kinda fits the mood of the song, but I could be wrong. It is interesting seeing these two worlds cross into each other with the flashes of white light brightening the darker area and the red lights tainting the white scenery.

Choreography
This isn't the best choreography I've seen from these guys. It seems kinda boring, a bit forced, and possibly some over thinking while doing the steps. At points, I swear they're not dancing together, but otherwise, I was disappointed again in this area as well. Perhaps they won't half ass their moves or just get a new choreographer altogether.

Overall Presentation
On a positive note, I thought the concept was an interesting choice and I also will give it credit that it was a clever one as well. The song is pretty decent, but I've heard a lot better and it's not good if I randomly want to listen to a Duffy song, especially since I don't listen to her in general. On the other hand, the video is kinda dull and the choreography is very boring and lacks passion.





Song
Honestly, I wasn't expecting to like this song at all, like most KAT-TUN songs, but I thought I'd give it a try anyway. I wasn't anticipating the singing during the intense heartbeats and the usual boy band harmonies, but the introduction definitely peaked my interest and I actually ended up liking the song. I really like the harmonies and the sectioning they did with the guys' voices. The music is ridiculously catchy and I like how smoothly everything just meshes together. I sadly had to rush to download the song, even if it had a cheesy rapping section and occasionally comical beatboxing in it.

Visuals
I like the black and white contrast to actual skin tone colors in the whole video. Just the whole lack of color was a clever choice for this song. It's definitely dark just like the DBSK video and even the wardrobe is black. I think they put a lot of thought into the environment and incorporating a few little elements from the drama, "Rescue", that this song is for, which is also a smart move.

Choreography
Even now, I still kinda think the choreography is just as cheesy as the DBSK video. At points, I didn't think it was neccessary to have the back up dancers and other times I thought it was interesting to watch, seeing the members and the dancers chemistry. During their individual dance moments in the video, the choreography ranges from cheesy to pretty decent, but it was better than what I was expecting.

Overall Presentation
Despite the fact that the choreography had it's cheesy points and the rapping and beatboxing sections made me giggle, I liked the scenery and concept of the video. It was a good representation of the video and the lyrics, from what I understood, were nice. It definitely made me want to keep an eye on these six talented men in the musical area and not just their acting abilities.

In conclusion, I think KAT-TUN won this fight. It's the first and only song of theirs I enjoyed. I liked the harmonies and how smoothly the music meshed with the mood of the overall concept. As long as Kame doesn't get that weird perm hair again, they can have the win this time and I might actually watch the drama this is for too.

Movies Watched in 2009

I'm "borrowing" this idea from a friend, because I'm kinda curious as well about how many movies I watch in a year. I'm not limiting myself to only movies released in this year either. Hopefully, I'm not missing any movies. ^^;

Starting date: January 5, 2009
Finishing date: December 27, 2009

1. Exte: Hair Extentions [Ekusute] (2007, Japan)
2. The Great Happiness Space: Tale of an Osaka Love Thief (2006, USA)
3. The Spirit (2009, USA)
4. Push (2009, USA)
5. Madea Goes to Jail (2009, USA)
6. House Party 2 (1991, USA)
7. Romeo Must Die (2000, USA)
8. Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993, USA)
9. Strange Circus [Kimyô na sâkasu] (2005, Japan)
10. Batman & Robin (1997, USA)
11. Nutty Professor 2: The Klumps (2000, USA)
12. Major Payne (1995, USA)
13. Ratatouille (2007, USA)
14. Coraline (2009, USA)
15. SAW III (2006, USA)
16. SAW IV (2007, USA)
17. The Craft (1996, USA)
18. The Simpsons Movie (2007, USA)
19. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998, USA)
20. I Think I Love My Wife (2007, USA)
21. Shutter (2008, USA)
22. Gremlins (1984, USA)
23. Junior (1994, USA)
24. Step Up 2: The Streets (2008, USA)
25. Formula 17 [17 sui de tian kong] (2004, Taiwan)
26. I'm a Cyborg, but That's OK [Saibogujiman kwenchana] (2006, South Korea)
27. Funny Games U.S. (2007, USA)
28. The Midnight Meat Train (2008, USA)
29. Bangkok Love Story (2007, Thailand)
30. Itsuka no Kimi e (2007, Japan)
31. Babe (1995, USA)
32. The Fifth Element (1997, USA)
33. Mrs. Doubtfire (1993, USA)
34. Soul Food (1997, USA)
35. Legally Blonde (2001, USA)
36. Ghost Rider (2007, USA)
37. Jurassic Park (2001, USA)
38. Thir13en Ghosts (2001, USA)
39. Just One of the Guys (1985, USA)
40. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988, USA)
41. Parent Trap (1998, USA)
42. Speed Racer (2008, USA)
43. Bedazzled (2000, USA)
44. Disturbia (2007, USA)
45. Meet the Spartans (2008, USA)
46. Bring It On (2000, USA)
47. Barbershop (2002, USA)
48. Obsessed (2009, USA)
49: Selena (1997, USA)
50. Meet the Parents (2000, USA)
51. Remember the Titans (2000, USA)
52. Prom Night (2008, USA)
53. Naked Gun 2 1/2 (1991, USA)
54. Home Alone (1990, USA)
55. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009, USA)
56. The Baby-Sitters Club (1995, USA)
57. Valentine (2001, USA)
58. Ocean's Thirteen (2007, USA)
59. Look Who's Talking Too (1990, USA)
60. Spaceballs (1987, USA)
61. X-Men (2000, USA)
62. Star Trek (2009, USA)
63. Meet the Robinsons (2007, USA)
64. The Number 23 (2007, USA)
65. Queen of the Damned (2002, USA)
66. MIRЯORS (2008, USA)
67. Beyond All Magic [Heung ssi monyeo/Black Heart] (2008, South Korea)
68. Dance Flick (2009, USA)
69. The Uninvited (2009, USA)
70. The Ring 2 (2005, USA)
71. Road House (1989, USA)
72. Tropic Thunder (2008, USA)
73. Space Jam (1996, USA)
74. Quarantine (2008, USA)
75. Paprika (2006, Japan)
76. Ichi the Killer [Koroshiya 1] (2001, Japan)
77. Suicide Club/Suicide Circle [Jisatsu saakuru] (2002, Japan)
78. Kill Bill Vol. 1 (2003, USA)
79. Kill Bill Vol. 2 (2004, USA)
80. Up (2009, USA)
81. The Crow (1994, USA)
82. Planet Terror (2007, USA)
83. Shimotsuma monogatari/Kamikaze Girls (2004, Japan)
84. Machine Girl [Kataude mashin gâru] (2008, Japan)
85. Baby and Me (2008, Korea)
86. Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991, USA)
87. Princess Mononoke (1997, USA)
88. The Princess Diaries (2001, USA)
89. Sukitomo (2006, Japan)
90. The Proposal (2009, USA)
91. Wanted (2008, USA)
92. Carrie (1976, USA)
93. Ai no Kotodama (2008, Japan)
94. Pineapple Express (2008, USA)
95. I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007, USA)
96. Swing Vote (2008, USA)
97. Orphan (2009, USA)
98. Reincarnation [Rinne] (2005, Japan)
99. The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008, USA)
100. Get Smart (2008, USA)
101. Ella Enchanted (2004, USA)
102. Ponyo (2009, USA)
103. The Final Destination 3-D (2009, USA)
104. Changeling (2008, USA)
105. I Can Do Bad All By Myself (2009, USA)
106. The Dark Knight (2008, USA)
107. Zombieland (2009, USA)
108. Final Desination (2000, USA)
109. Dark Tales of Japan (2004, Japan)
110. Fame (2009, USA)
111. Corpse Bride (2005, USA)
112. Eagle Eye (2008, USA)
113. Saw V (2008, USA)
114. Saw VI (2009, USA)
115. Silent Hill (2006, USA)
116. This Is It (2009, USA)
117. Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004, USA)
118. Notorious (2009, USA)
119. Ninja Assassin (2009, USA)
120. Christmas Carol (2009, USA)
121. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007, USA)
122. Men in Black (1997, USA)
123. Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997, USA)
124. Men in Black II (2002, USA)
125. Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2005, USA)
126. Tales from the Hood (1995, USA)
127. Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999, USA)
128. Shrek (2001, USA)
129. Sherlock Holmes (2009, USA)
130. Shrek 2 (2004, USA)
131. Spirited Away (2001, USA)

Welcome to Muddy Cult!

Hello there~

My name is Miko and welcome to my review blog. After a lot of thinking and convincing from a friend or two, I decided to create this blog to represent Asian entertainment lovers like myself and my friends...and to slightly compete with a certain popular blog. Hopefully, you will enjoy my reviews and that they become useful to other Asian entertainment lovers or newbies.