2012 & OTHER MOVIES NOT TO BE MISSED!

I saw 2012 at the Ozone Cinema and it WAS THE BOMB!!! Never have I seen such mind blowing visual effects since INDEPENDENCE DAY and THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW, I was absolutely spellbound by the whole movie. And it wasn't just the effects, but the superb acting of British-born Nigerian actor Chiwetel Ejiofor as Dr. Adrian Hemsley, scientific advisor to the President, who discovered something terribly wrong with the earth's crust, John Cusack, as Jackson- a writer who emerged an unlikely hero, Woody Harrelson as a conspiracy theorist who revealed the government's big cover-up to Jackson, veteran actor Danny Glover as the U.S President and the lovely Thandie Newton as Laura Wilson, the president's daughter. It is a MUST watch- once you watch it, you'll be totally hooked; I give it two thumbs up!
 Trivia: The director, Roland Emmerich, also directed INDEPENDENCE DAY, THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW, GODZILLA, UNIVERSAL SOLDIER & 10,000 B.C.

Before the movie started, I saw the preview of SHERLOCK HOLMES, the latest in the long line of adaptations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic stories of the most brilliant private eye and his faithful colleague/roommate/biographer Dr. Watson. I can't wait to see it especially since one of the characters includes the only woman who was actually able trick Holmes successfully, Irene Adler, but the casting was a bit odd to me; Holmes is portrayed  by American actor  Robert Downey Jr. (IRON MAN)  and Watson by British actor, Jude Law (COLD MOUNTAIN)- I would have thought it was the other way round, but from what I see, Robert did a fine job. And apart from that, both characters look to be in their mid-thirties whereas in the books, they were always described as middle-aged. Lastly, there were two scenes that shocked me, one of Irene kissing the woman hating Holmes on  the mouth and the other of Watson punching out  Holmes. Directed by Madonna's ex husband, Guy Ritchie and  another must watch.

 After 2012 wrapped up, I saw the poster of this movie outside and later on I checked on what it was about. This one is called INVICTUS, starring veteran actor Morgan Freeman &  Matt Damon and directed by another veteran, Clint Eastwood, who'd previously worked with Freeman in UNFORGIVEN & MILLION-DOLLAR BABY.  In this biographical drama, Freeman is Nelson Mandela, who after several years as a prisoner in Robben Island, was  released in 1990 and became South Africa's president in 1994- but still had a major task ahead of him, and that was to unite the blacks and whites ; especially as  the country was to host the 1995 Rugby World Cup. Helping him with that goal was the captain of the rugby team , Francois Pienaar played by Matt Damon. Freeman has already been nominated as for a a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a leading role, Damon for Best Supporting Actor & Best Director for Eastwood(not at all surprised at that one).
P.S : what I like best about Mr. Freeman is his unique ability of narration e.g THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION & MILLION-DOLLAR BABY.

Days of Our Lives: Bo and Carly's Special Moments

I'm not the only one who is observing Days Of Our Lives with renewed interest after the sudden but very delightful  return of Carly Manning(Crystal Chappelle) after a 16 year absence from the show. Her fans were heartbroken when  her passionate love affair with Bo Brady suddenly  ended in 1993; now that she's returned to Salem just when Bo is having marital troubles- fans are already  rooting for the princess & the sailor to get back together again!
Here are a few images showing some of the couple's most tender moments...

The first time Bo told Carly he loved her after a long struggle

When Bo was infected by a deadly virus meant for Carly.

During  their symbolic wedding/commitement ceremony in Mexico

Reading the scroll. Bo discovered she still had it after 18 years when it fell out of her purse  in a recent episode

Their memorable wedding night; the very first time they did 'you know what' since they'd met!!!

"On their honeymoon" in Cancun

Reunited after Bo was kidnapped by a drug cartel. The couple were seperated  for 2 whole months!

2009- Bo and Carly bonding after her sudden return to Salem following the murder of her abusive husband (who she'd  left Bo for)

In loving memory: Alaina & Brittany

I was still reeling in shock at the news of Brittany Murphy's sudden death; I'd only watched five of her films- Just Married, Girl,Interrupted,  8 Mile, Uptown Girls and Little Black Book- then I heard about the death of Alaina Reed Hall, who those who grew up with Sesame Street knew as the ever smiling photographer Olivia, who died of breast cancer at the age of 63. It's very sad- she was one of my favorite characters in Seasame Street, she had a melodious singing voice and looking back, she was the one who got me interested in photography. And Brittany, how on earth does a 32 year old get cardiac arrest? This just again shows just how fragile life is and how we should remember to fear God always in order to attain His Mercy on Judgement Day.

This year we've lost several notable stars- Bernie Mac, Patrick Swayze, Farrah Fawcett, Natasha Richardson, Ricardo Montalban(I watched his show 'Fantasy Island' as a child), Ron Silver and of course Michael Jackson. May Allah accept them all among his chosen few. Amin.

RI.P