With the fast-approaching end of the year, we from artsyfutsy will also be getting ready to welcome a new chapter in our oh-so exciting schooling lives: JC. Unfortunately though, this would also mark the end of this blog project (FYI, this blog was started for school project purposes). We will not be closing down this blog but we will not be updating as frequently, only as and when we have interesting material to share with you guys. We would sincerely like to thank everyone for all of your support for this humble blog of ours all this time.

And now, all sad news aside, I present to you our Halloween post:

In a feeble attempt to escape the horrors of revising for the upcoming Higher Chinese O Levels, I am here to give my thoughts on the recently-released horror flick, “The Last Exorcism”.

The Last Exorcism Promotion picture

Here’s a synopsis of the movie:

Taken from Yahoo!:

“When he arrives on the rural Louisiana farm of Louis Sweetzer, the Reverend Cotton Marcus expects to perform just another routine “exorcism” on a disturbed religious fanatic. An earnest fundamentalist, Sweetzer has contacted the charismatic preacher as a last resort, certain his teenage daughter Nell is possessed by a demon who must be exorcized before their terrifying ordeal ends in unimaginable tragedy. Buckling under the weight of his conscience after years of parting desperate believers with their money, Cotton and his crew plan to film a confessionary documentary of this, his last exorcism. But upon arriving at the already blood drenched family farm, it is soon clear that nothing could have prepared him for the true evil he encounters there. Now, too late to turn back, Reverend Marcus’ own beliefs are shaken to the core when he and his crew must find a way to save Nell – and themselves – before it is too late.”

I had been anticipating the local release of the movie ever since I first read about it in 8Days magazine and I must say, it certainly didn’t let me down. Stellar acting by the main cast and a well thought-out plot are inarguably the best parts about this movie. While Patrick Fabian’s portrayal of Reverend Cotton was also noteworthy, it was Ashley Bell that stole the show in her very convincing performance as the possessed Nell. This writer almost wanted to believe that was the case in the scene of confrontation between the Abalam-possessed Nell and Reverend Cotton in the shed where Bell (yes, she really did all the stunts by HERSELF, no kidding.) performed a series of disturbingly inhuman contortions.

Ashley Bell doing a contortionist-esque backbend as a possessed Nell

The plot is also commendable in its depth and creativity. It is different from your run-of-the-mill supernatural-oriented horror flick in that it also incorporates the viewpoint of a person who is actually in touch with the religion instead of just that of an outsider. The cynical attitude of Reverend Cotton towards his religion also makes him an anti-hero, which also sets the movie apart from the usual horror flicks as it gives it a sense of realism, which makes the whole movie even creepier.

That said though, the movie did have some drawbacks in the form its headache-inducing style of filming. This writer had to take a while to get used to the dizzying movements of the camera before she could start appreciating the movie. I also felt that the movie fell just a little short on the scare factor to make it a true, hardcore horror flick; kind of like a really good joke without the final punch line. (Note that I say hardcore, meaning chills-down-your-spine, hair-raising, scream-inducing-ly scary, the kind not meant for the faint-hearted.) The slightly boring beginning and slightly ambiguous ending were also a tad anti-climactic but, personally, I think that the great plot and acting are more than enough to make up for that.

Abalam-Nell glares at Reverend Cotton

On the overall, “The Last Exorcism” is a good horror flick perfect for a scary night out. It is thought-invoking and will definitely leave a lasting impression that probably wouldn’t fade for a while. I highly recommend this movie for horror beginners and gore-haters who are looking for some good brain exercise – it is just spooky enough for newbies to stomach and is one of the rare species of horror films where there isn’t blood splattering and brains exploding with every turn. “The Last Exorcism” truly captures the essence of horror and will undoubtedly be one of the best horror movies you have ever watched.

The Last Exorcism movie poster (for the record, this wasn't done by a stunt double too

And lastly, a trailer to spook you out :

Happy Late Halloween

~ e3m1n

Enjoy:D

-yifan:D

Anyway, I’ve watched both Street Dance and Step Up but both in 2D.
The verdict? STREET DANCE!
Why?

Most of you probably already know that I’m a classical freak and that extends to Ballet. Yes, I LOVE BALLET. Street Dance incorporated Ballet into their break dance routine while Step Up was just pure break dance. &I absolutely loved the final dance of Street Dance. It started out with dancers in white business suits in a gigantic bed covered with blue silk. Ahh contemporary dance. Then it changed to ballet as the 5 of them danced and break dance when everyone else joined it. I love how they manage to bridge the divide between Ballet and break dance which all of you probably know are at 2 ends of the spectrum. It gave me a lot of inspiration and opened up my world. It’s just wonderful how the movie possessed the message that dance is an international language that transcends all boundaries. Dance, in a lot of ways is like Music. Regardless of race, language or religion, all of us understand each other perfectly well when we’re dancing or making music. The once closed minded Ballet Dancers in the show learned so much and improved so much after they accepted break dance. Haha maybe singing more pop songs will help me in Opera Oh yeah and did I mention that I think they have really good dance moves and the movie soundtrack was fantastic!

Step Up paled in comparision in everything except the plot. It had a more complex and well-developed plot. In other words, a more interesting story while Street Dance’s was relatively simple. The one similarity between their plots was that both had one of their team mates betraying them to join their largest rival house.
The one scene that saved Step Up was the one where they dance in the water at the second round of competitions at the House of Gwai and the most of the techno music gave me a headache. The only redeeming song was Alicia Key’s New York.
Step Up seems to get a lot worse with each new series. The very first Step Up is the best of them all and can probably match up to other dance films like Dance Subaru.

-Sarah

Now, let’s move on to his new song!Hope everyone will enjoy the song that I am going to recommend to you from Taeyang:D

The lead-single will be ‘I need a girl’ featuring his bandmate G-dragon. Frankly speaking, when I first saw the title, I was  thinking’ Oh my! This would be a weird song!’ However, I was wrong. ‘I need a girl’ stars Sandara Park and Taeyang. In the mv, Sandara Park is the girl that Taeyang needs.The lyrics of the song are the characteristics of a girl that Taeyang supposedly likes in the mv. G-dragon helped in the rapping of this song.The chemistry between Taeyang and G-dragon are quite obvious in the mv.It can be seen or rather felt in their singing.

In the mv, of course, you would expect some dance moves from Taeyang.Personally, I prefer the dance moves in Wedding Dress rather than this song. However,  the dance moves in this mv are simple and fit the theme of this song of being naughty and cute in a way to get the girl he wanted in the mv. I like the way how Taeyang portrays this song:) The feeling of wanting a girl very badly(from the expressions of him in the mv) is very distinct in the mv. Not to mention, the chemistry between Sandara Park and Taeyang. It is an awesome mv!

Chorus:

Girl, I need a girl
Pretty no matter what she does
A pretty body, too
Girl, I need a girl
Baby, I need you
Girl, you need me, too

Some other parts:

Looks are not an issue
But a cute girl who knows style
Even though our hobbies are different
Our tastes are the same
A girl that I can relate to a lot
When we watch movies or listen to music

The highlighted parts are the lyrics implying that looks are not the most important thing but rather the tastes of the girl, or rather her character.

Now, let’s look at the mv!

After looking at the mv,can  you miss the live version!

-yifan:D

After watching the trailer, I was pretty impressed by the various dance scenes, including street versus ballet dance-offs. I find the dance-offs rather fun and amusing though, they allow you to spot the prominent diversity between the two. Ballet dancing is rather serious and stiff while street dancing is cool and exudes tons of energy. Britain’s Got Talent dance crews Diversity and Flawless were also immensely featured in the movie and obviously, they are significantly talented. George Sampson, another champion of Britain’s Got Talent, plays a sidekick role and has a solo performance in the film. At 17 this year, he is making his debut in the movie, and I must say his dance skills have improved quite a lot since the competition. Isn’t he gorgeous? (:

Aha, finally here comes the main highlight of today’s post: the fashion in Street Dance 3D.

I have to say after watching the trailer, I give top marks to the fashion featured in the movie. The entire cast was aptly set in trendy hip hop style such as the bright sneakers, big motif graphic tops, and backward caps, while not forgetting all the accessories including super cool armbands and all the bling that go with it. In contrast to other dance movies’ vogue, this was already a huge step up. I have always regarded street dance fashion as cool and relaxed, as the baggy shirts and slacks donned by hip hoppers suggests that are comfortable in their clothes. Regardless of their vibrant printed tees and patterned jackets or the plain all-white scheme worn by the main dance crew in the competition, they never cease to amaze me how street dance fashion is able to have such an influence in the dancers’ overall performance.

Let’s end this post off with the trailer of Street Dance 3D. I hope you enjoy!

-Mich (:

Outerwear:

Cold seasons bring the need for warmer clothes that look both stylish and comfortable, providing sufficient warmth while looking hip and trendy. Coats, jackets and parkas have made a comeback in various hues, patterns and styles, making you look more fashionable than ever. Different styles of autumn outerwear suit different occasions and may perk up or dress down your look. For instance, belted coats promptly craft your appearance towards the smarter and elegant zone. On the contrary, if you want to tone down your outfit for casual wear, a quilted cover up is quite sufficient to give you that unfussy look for everyday wear.  Leather jackets are an all time favourite piece as it gives off a sexy vibe which supplies the extra oomph while strutting your stuff on the streets. And let’s not forget about fur coats which is as hit as leather. However, on rainy days, it is always better to don on leather ones as they are waterproof as compared to their furry counterparts.

Dresses:

For the hues of autumn dresses, it has taken a turn and produced a really dark colour this year: black. Yup, that’s right, black is all the rage now and while there were a lot of blacks, browns were also commonly found on dresses this season. Brown is not as dreary as black and may well represent the shade of the falling leaves in autumn. Though black and brown are not your usual bright shades, they are slowly blooming into fashion staples. So don’t expect cheerful tints popping into this autumn.  Gloomy colours are taking the world by storm right now. Moving down the trend, one-shouldered dresses are on the go and has not decreased in popularity for a long time. Some of the styles of these dresses are simple and ideal for casual wear while others have elaborate designs and cuts that are indeed feminine and chic which makes it great for party apparel.

Colours:

This season features lots of dull and darker hues such as black, brown, grey, rich crimson. Black has always been a popular colour. Brown is a neutral tone that matches almost any other colour and looks good on your outfit. Rich crimson is definitely one of my favourites as it is outstanding among pale skin tones and is a passionate tint to don on this autumn.

Well, that’s all I have for this year’s autumn trend. I hope this helps in better preparation for your autumn wardrobes (:

-Mich (:

Today, I shall recommend you guys a touching korean song by G.NA.The song is called ‘I’ll Back Off So You Can Live Better’.One of Beast members,Junhyung, also rapped in this song.Yoon DooJoon,another Beast member, starred in the mv. This is really an awesome song taking into account that this song is G.NA debut.G.NA has strong vocals and many said that she has the potential to be the next BoA. Her high notes are strong and stable unlike some new singers who tend to have their high notes wavering.I think that it is a good choice to allow Yoon DooJoon to star in her mv and to have Junhyung to rap in the song as Beast is gaining popularity recently and this will help G.NA in making her album sales a success too.Of course, I am not implying that without Beast’s help, G.NA’s album sales will not be good because G.NA really sounds like a professional singer and there is no doubt that this song will become a hit.

This song is a usual sad love song.The mv is about the female lead’s boyfriend(DooJoon) asking for a break up and yet actually cried when the female lead left him.There are quite a number of intimate scenes between G.NA and DooJoon in the mv and they really look like a loving couple.Many netizens commented that they look cute together.On the other hand, DooJoon felt disgusted about his appearence in the mv as he felt very shy about the intimate scenes. However, this is perhaps the reason why many said they look cute togther because even DooJoon thinks that the scenes in the mv are loving and mushy and therefore felt shy about it.Totally love the chemistry between them!

Not forgetting Junhyung who helped to rap in this song.He had done an excellent job.Junhyung also starred in the mv for a few seconds.He looked nice with the red jacket and he wore it with style too!He gives off a ‘bad boy’ feeling in the mv though but he also gave off a ‘cute boy’ feeling too.Having two cute guys in the mv, how can you not watch it!

Now, let’s move to the lyrics!

I totally love the lyrics of this song.The title of the song is already one which may be able to evoke some emotion in you.The chorus is the nice part as usual.

Chorus:

I’ll back off so you can live
That is all I can say
I’ll forget you so you can live better
So that you’ll be happy without me
The love that you tossed away, you can take it
Don’t even leave a trace behind and take it all
Don’t even say you’re sorry
Don’t worry about me

However, I think that the last chorus is the one that is the climax of the song.

Do you happen to remember that day?
That day when we first met
I still remember it
The promise you made to me
That you will only care for me
That you will only protect me
That you will only love me
I believed your lies, I believed it

G.NA’s strong vocals and dance moves brought out the sad emotions of the song yet also brought out the tough side of a girl.The last scene with Junhyung tearing was the one that could capture many young teenage fans!The mv overall is not very sad but it is touching:)

Take a look at her live performance too!

-yifan:D

I recently realised that there are many people listening to this song and that the views on youtube is high (2,573,498views).Hence, I decided to give this song(I never told you) a shot. In fact, the only song that I know from Colbie Caillat is the duet(Lucky)performed by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat.This song is released on February 16, 2010 as the second single.

Firstly, I must say that I really fall in love with this song.The song starts with the guitar and the piano.The lyrics of this song I guessed is the thing that makes this song really touching and really pleasing to hear.Not to forget Colbie Caillat’s feel good voice that many love which brings more emotion to this song:)I really think that this is the song that has really good lyrics that really evoke emotion in the listener.As usual, the chorus of the song is the climax of the entire song.Of course, this song has a strong and impactful chorus too.These are the lyrics of the chorus that I really like very much!

And now i miss everything about you
I cant believe that i still want you
After all the things we’ve been through
I miss everything about you
Without you, ohhh

However, I think the best chorus is the last chorus where she harmonises.The main lyrics evoke emotion in listeners but even the secondary lyrics are as impactful or rather, they add more meaning to this song.

Lyrics of the last chorus

And now i miss everything about you
(and still you’re gone)
Cant believe that i still want you
(after lovin’ you I should have never walked away)
After all the things we’ve been through
(I know it’s never gonna come again)
I miss everything about you
Without you, ohhh
mmmmmmmm
no no no oh no

I like this song not because of the emotion but rather the perspective of this song.This song depicts a story where the female lead broke up with her boyfriend without telling him loads of things.And now, she regrets not telling him the things and that she still misses him.There is rarely a song like this that is able to portray such a breakup scene so beautifully.Colbie Caillat actually said that she penned this song while touring Europe as she is still thinking of her previous breakup.This makes no wonder why this song actually move many hearts of the listeners.

-yifan:D

The first song ‘Up’ is a light and happy song compared to ‘Heartbeats’. ‘Up’ is a party like song where it has a catchy tune. The song is started with a catchy beat and catchy words ‘Up u-u-up, up up,u-u-up, up up’.The light beats from the drums bring out the simplicity of this song and also the relaxing feeling of this song! This song is definitely a good party starter and would make people feel like dancing to the catchy beat of the tune!

‘Up’ is a relatively high song.The lyrics for the chorus are relatively simple as this is considered a pop song.Thus, having simpler lyrics make the song catchy and also easier for the singer as well.Don’t you think so?

‘Now won’t you turn it up, up, up
Louder, don’t stop!
Take me over, lift me up high
You need to turn it up, up, up
We’re ready, ready for this evening
Ready for the feeling, won’t you turn it up’

Live singing of ‘Up’

The second song (Heartbeats) is a totally different kind of music!It is a touching yet simple song. The second song started with some chords and string notes on the piano and the guitar playing the accompaniment of the song. It brings about a calming effect of the song and this allows the listener to be calm and be totally drawn into the song. The lyrics of this song has a deeper meaning in my opinion. It somehow brings out a girl’s simple confession and the fear of falling in love and breaking her heart.Amy Diamond’s clear and angelic voice added more points to her singing and her interpretation of this song. The lyrics is very touching.

This is her live singing!

‘Please don’t let me go

I just wanna stay

Can’t you feel my heartbeats

Giving me away

I just want to know

If you too feel afraid

I can feel your heartbeats

Giving you away

Giving us away’

This chorus really touches my heart.It may contain words that may sound cliche but they are actually the words that have a greater meaning what is written.In my opinion, this is not a sad song.However, it does evoke a slightly similar feeling to when you hear a sad song.This song brings across the idea of two people who are uncertain and hesistant about their relationship.It seems like both of them are trying to guess each other’s thoughts but they could not figure anything out.Uncertainity is prominent in this song and hence it makes the listeners to have mixed feelings when listening to the song.

These two songs indeed brought out the potential in her as we get to see her different styles of singing.I hope that you agree with me that ‘Heartbeats’ is a song well done and ‘Up’ is totally another awesome song:D

-yifan:)

Okay, without any delay,we should get into the song now:D

Firstly, how do I know of the song being used in this movie? The answer is I heard this power ballad being played during the trailer of the movie. Personally,I was rather impressed by the trailer. There were some classic drama scenes like Miley lying on the beach and Hemsworth putting the seashells around her. I hoped the movie is a great hit as the trailer was pretty well-made. It definitely has captured the attention of the teenagers especially the girls as it is totally what the teenage girls hoped for.(Hot guy with a pretty girl meet together by accident and start a love story) The song from the trailer(‘When I Look at You’  by Miley Cyrus) captured my attention as I feel that it is really a very powerful song and I think that it goes perfectly well with the movie.I have to admit I am not a fan of Miley Cyrus(since I didn’t know that the song came out in  August 31, 2009)and I have to say that I don’t really listen to her songs as I used to think that her as quite a childish singer.

Perhaps this image of Miley Cyrus should be changed as the song ‘When I Look at You’ proved me wrong.It prompted me to listen to more of her songs. What do I like about this song?I think it is the music quality as well as the lyrics used in this song that are attractive and powerful.When I first listened to it online, I was amazed by it. The song started with with the piano. It seems like another typical sad(emotional) song is going to be played but I was wrong. The first chorus part was backed up by percussion and the second chorus part is being backed up by more percussion. When the bridge of the song arrives, there is a softer background sound so that the lyrics of the song can be heard clearly. The tension starts getting stronger and the background sound gets getting louder and bringing more impact to the listener’s emotions.The last chorus by Miley accompanied with the loud percussion background just totally brought the emotions of the ballad to a greater height. The song finally ends with the lyrics ‘you appear just like a dream to me’ brings a closure to the song implying that the love was very much like an illusion.

note: the views for this is really high!(19,974,573
views)

Do take a look at her live performance too:D

note: I think the recording sounds better.

Some memorable quotes from the film to share:)

Veronica ‘Ronnie’ Miller: Why did you want me to see this?
Will Blakelee: Because I thought you would like her as much as I do, scars and all.

Steve Miller: Sometimes you have to be apart from the people you love, but that doesn’t make you love them any less. Sometimes it makes you love them more.

Do you agree with Steve Miller’s quote?I think I do as that happens in real life situations.Don’t you think so too?

-yifan:)