In the short span of a week, I managed to catch three different movies currently playing (all without paying anything too!)...

Rather than write reviews, in which I will only say positive things anyway, let me do a quick recap of the things that caught my breath during the films...

1) Wolf Creek

(What to expect in Wolf Creek...)

2) Brokeback Mountain

[break=What I got from Brokeback Mountain...]a. Beautiful Western Country sceneries and skies

b. Gorgeous leads making passionate love

c. Simple understated love story that wasn't meant to be, but all the more heartrending

d. Indecipherable mumblings in country twang

e. Irritating mismatched subtitles (ok ok, I watched the pirated version! =P)

f. Many touching moments that made my tears flow

g. Sweeping music and a Rufus Wainwright sad song at the end credits; more silent tears flowed[/break]

3) Nanny McPhee

[break=What I enjoyed about Nanny McPhee...]a. Very Mary Poppins meets A Series of Unfortunate Encounters (thankfully minus Jim Carrey!)

b. Angelic-looking kids hell-bent on being difficult, and made to learn 5 important lessons

c. Charming Colin Firth, mysteriously hideous-looking Emma Thompson and a scrumptious Kelly Macdonald

d. Over-the-top yet fun-to-watch Angela Lansbury, Imelda Staunton and Celia Imrie

e. A wedding ending that goes from being slapstickily yucky to absolutely breathtakingly gorgeous

f. This film doesn't "talk-down" to kids; life lessons were doled out sensibly and sensitively by Nanny McPhee

f. Couldn't bear to leave the cinema due to cute end-credit animations[/break]

Footnote: I wish to thank Ah Fu for the free tickets to the press screening of "Wolf Creek", RC for lending me the DVD of "Brokeback Mountain", and Kenny for the free tickets to "Nanny McPhee"'s official screening meant for selected Kinokuniya customers...

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It's been over a year since I got my Nokia 6260 mobilephone, and now it's time to move on and welcome my new:

Nokia N70

I have yet to explore the various functions of this 3G phone, and I can't wait...

Just as significantly, I have finally switched my service provider from MobileOne to Singtel!

I shall be keeping my existing number but from now till 14th March 2006, please avoid calling me there before that date, unless absolutely necessary or you might not get through...

Meantimes, I will be using another temporary number from Singtel instead, as they need 7 working days to transfer the lines...

Also, if there's anyone keen on purchasing a 1-year old Nokia 6260 in good working condition, I am selling it at the trade-in price of $250. This offer shall stand till at least next week, after which I will probably sell it to one of the handphone dealer shops...

Footnote:

I got the above as a double-deal together with Katrina, so that's one person I know with whom I can start a video conferencing now! LOL

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I am sure I had spent more time in the cinemas over the past week than I have for more than half a year! Even as the past week closes, I managed to add three more films to my movie marathon, and they are...

1) Underworld : Evolution

(My views on Underworld: Evolution...)

2) Sepet

[break=What I love about Sepet...]a. I would buy the DVD just for the beautiful opening credits animation alone

b. Simple sweet plot that still tugs at the heart strings with many tender moments; bring tissue box

c. Good looking newcomer leads gave wonderful sensitive performances in their every scenes together and alone

d. Delightful supporting characters entertain with plenty of humour and comic relief, yet all very real

e. Lots of insightful observations about racial harmony and tolerance between different cultures infused within

f. Don't expect a Happy Ever After ending (cue: tissue box again), but then again, hope is ever present[/break]

3) Gubra

[break=What I love about Gubra...]a. Same comments as above for "Sepet", as this is pretty much a sequel of sorts

b. More eye candy leads and comic supporting characters provided more delight for viewers

c. Touching subplots about prostitution, AIDS and religion make this film a truly sensitive and reflective 2 hours

d. I absolutely can't wait for this DVD to be released too[/break]

Footnote:

I watched "Underworld: Evolution" on tickets from my friends Bay and Eddie, and the latter two movies as a double-bill on Kevin's premiere tickets. Thank you all!

Special mention goes to the director of "Sepet" and "Gubra", Yasmin Ahmad, and the lead actress Sharifah Amani, for giving the audience a wonderful treat by appearing for a Q&A session at the end of the screenings...

I couldn't think of any questions for them (except perhaps: "Can I be in your next film PLEASE???!!!", as I felt the films speak volumes for themselves without need for explanations or elaborations. But these special guests provided various insights and filming stories that gave the audience a more memorable and meaningful experience...

Incidentally, Yasmin Ahmad revealed that a third part to her two films are already in the works. This time the focus would be on the lead character, Orked, in her childhood days. I really can't wait for it!!!

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After several casting calls last week, I am fortunate to land a couple of exciting new projects, all happening THIS WEEK!

I have successfully turned myself into a human jam and spread myself thinly yet again...

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On Monday, I did the sequel to my earlier "Courts Ready Finance" TVC. This time the focus is on the upcoming "Courts Football Mad Sale"!

Basically, I dubbed over myself with the new script and included the new promotional items, and a more upbeat tune was added for more impact. Stay tuned for this TVC starting this Friday on your telly!

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Through Fly Entertainment's recommendation, and Upside Down Concept's selection, I have also begun filming for Mediacorp's new season of "Incredible Tales", in a pretty spooky episode called "Paper Bride". This will be my 3rd (or is it 4th?) time playing a guy who caused a jilted lover to commit suicide...

I get to act with Carol Tham (as my wife, Emily), Mindy Ong (as my secretary Diana, with whom I had an affair), and Marjorie Ho (as Diana's grandmother, Ah Po)...

I've taken lots of photos as usual, but have yet to find the time to get them all sorted, resized, edited and posted for the records and your viewing pleasure...

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Adding another feather to my cap this week is my being cast in a new TV commercial for a new green tea drink, to be filmed on Friday. I have to thank Peggy for recommending me for this job! Will reveal more when it's appropriate...

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I have volunteered to submit a series of artwork prints for ASA's Actor's Gallery Fundraising Auction to be held on 15th April 2006 at the new TheatreWorks along Mohamed Sultan Road...

I shall be contributing the drawing of 3 fuzzy little kitties as well as two other new illustrations for the event. Now I just need to get these artwork completed and printed by next Wednesday!

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This weekend I shall have to miss out on yet another reunion dinner of my River Valley High School friends, this time also Siang Hua's birthday...

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And then on Sunday, I have tap dancing classes with Richard Chia, followed by a mad dash to attend a one and only rehearsal for Main Wayang's all new show to be performed on 18th March 2006 at the NUS CFA @ UCC!

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Almost forgot to mention that I had a great time at the ST 6th Life! Theatre Awards 2006 on Monday, with invitations courtesy of Peggy (love her to bits!)

Also took heaps of photos of the winners and of the myriad of Cowboys and Cowgirls, and a handful of Red Indians. After all, the theme of the night was "Spaghetti Western" (in other words, come dressed like an extra for "Brokeback Mountain" lah! =P)

Will post the photos soon too and write about the quips and anecdotes from the past and present winners, maybe after this crazy week...

Oops, forgot to mention also the obvious fact that neither of my shows "Pulau" nor "Ten Brothers" won anything at the awards...

But still, WE HAVE WON! =P

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Guess I am not very good at keeping secrets. I was so excited about my new TV ads that I might have blurted out more than I really should...

But now that everything's out in the open, there's no real secret anymore! So...

Here's my previous post again:

Last week was an incredibly fruitful one: I completed two new TV commercials and an episode for the new season of "Incredible Tales"...

I'll post more about the latter TV shoot in the next entry, together with heaps of crazy shots taken during the production...

Meantime, here are the photos of the two TVCs:

Courts TVC

Deja Vu? This is the sequel to last year's "Ready Finance" TVC!

(More Photos Here...)

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Heaven & Earth Green Tea TVC

Me like green tea on ice...

[break=More Photos Here...]

And now, let me introduce the gorgeous (and wacky) cast:

Kyra Ching (previously appeared in KFC & Acuvue TVCs)

Angela Leow Gray (was the quirky air-stewardess in a recent McDonald's TVC)

Tseng Wun Hsiung (Cleo Bachelor 2005, also appeared in a Starhub TVC)

Xavier Teo (ex-Mediaworks actor and Cleo Bachelor 2005 too)

The TVC was shot at Peach Blossoms Restaurant at Marina Mandarin Hotel

After the shoot, the boys celebrated with more Heaven & Earth Green Tea as well as Absolut Raspberry Vodka & Smirnoff Vodka courtesy of Wun Hsiung[/break]

The Courts TVC is already playing on TV, and the Heaven & Earth TVC is officially out today...

And with my "Drink Driving Shatters Lives" print ads still pasted all over town, I really hope no one is suffering from an overdose of Edric Hsu!!!  

More to come! MUAHAHAHA!!!

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After a successful concert run in January, The Main Wayang Company is gearing up to reprise the songs and high energy performances tomorrow, Saturday 18th March 2006, at The Courtyard, NUS University Cultural Centre, from 8-9pm. And it's free for all!!!

http://www.mainwayang.com/themainwayangcompany.htm 

http://www.mainwayang.com/mweventsnuscfa.htm

Do come along and have a fun time with us!

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This Sunday afternoon, I will be watching "The Secret of Laughter" by I-Theatre, and I think it would be a really fun and inspiring show to watch...

Not least because I have previously enjoyed working with the actors and director of this show. The story itself, that of "Serendipity" ( meaning a happy accident ), intrigues me personally...

THE SECRET OF LAUGHTER

March 7th to 19th
A brand new play for children and families
at the Alliance Francaise Theatre

“You don’t reach Serendip by plotting a course for it. You have to set out in good faith for somewhere else and lose your way…”

Devised by the cast and directed by Brian Seward
Featuring Candice de Rozario, Adelynn Tan, Elnie Mashari and Charlotte Chiew
Music design by Joyce Teo

CLICK HERE FOR SHOW DETAILS

If you wish to join me in watching this show on Sunday 3pm, do book your tickets asap!

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From 24th March onwards, the much awaited The Picturehouse will finally re-open at its original site, in a thoroughly rebuilt and revamped structure!

And one of the first local films to be screened there is "Smell of Rain"...

SMELL OF RAIN

(CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS...) 

It's been a crazy last few weeks and it's all good. I'll be posting more food and life entries here soon, once I get the pics organised...

Meantime, here's another piece of good news. I've just shot my segment for a new TVC for Discovery Channel, and I won't say much more except look out for it sometime in May this year!

Here's a glimpse of it:

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It's been a crazy week of equally crazy activities, with various filmings, recordings, gatherings and even painting. I am really stretching myself thinly. But then, what's new?...

Last night I finally met up with Dowell, whom I last knew as Dean some many years ago, and we arranged to catch a local film at the newly opened Cathay Picturehouse Cinema, that our common friend, Nathaniel, starred in...

It's called "Smell of Rain" and it turned out that there was a private pre-show party just before the screening. Not so private after all, as we managed to get in and witness Nat singing the theme songs with his co-star, Trey, and the other cast and production folks of the movie...

In the confines of a small lounge area, I met Tania and her hubby, Jalyn who was the movie's producer, Chee Wei the music composer, Glenn, and so many familiar faces. The director, Gloria Chee, was there too. Outside, I bumped into Renee, who had a role as the protagonist's mum, as well as Nanda, Shaiful and Emilie... 

The movie itself was nice and understated, and I could identify with it in some ways, with plenty of coincidences...

Will write more tomorrow when my mind is clearer, but I am not going to write a review or synopsis here, as I feel this film should be experienced in person. I'll just be jotting down a few things that crossed my mind throughout the movie...

Till then...

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In half a month's time, on 15th April, 2006, the Association of Singapore Actors (ASA) will be staging its annual fundraising event at 72-13 (at 72-13, Mohamed Sultan Road, TheatreWorks)...

This fundraiser shall be in the form of an Actors' Gallery, in which more than 20 of our talented local actors and supporters of the acting industry will contribute their own artwork and paintings. These artwork will then be auctioned off to the highest bidders...

I had wanted to submit a print of my earlier illustrations of three cats, see HERE. But after some deliberation, I have decided on a totally different idea: a mixed media painting on canvas!

And the subject of my painting? None other than the face of one of my favourite roles to date:

Ironn-Six

"Ironn-Six" ~ Edric Hsu 

12" x 16" (Original Dimensions)

Mixed Media (Acrylic, Spray Paints, Glitter & Lipstick) on Canvas

Image hosted by: Photobucket.com

I have drawn the above image on my own face for every single show of Toy Factory's "Ten Brothers" last year, and I felt it would be representative of my work as an actor as well as an artist to present this face in a full-fletched painting... 

If any of you feel that you would like to support my creation, I aim to start the lowest bid for my painstaking work at S$1000...

For those of you wishing to support our other "starving artistes", namely those of us in the performing industry that lack sustenance in the form of funding and budget, please do come by the event and bid for our creations... 

More info and list of contributing actors here: http://www.asa.org.sg/news.htm

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This is mostly for my own record, but for anyone interested in how I created my debut canvas painting "Ironn-Six", read on for a step-by-step pictorial account...

First, I took inspiration from my character's image (far right, bottom row) and personality from "Ten Brothers" 

Art materials, including acrylic paints, spray paints, and primed canvas

Pencil sketch of face with features clearly demarcated

(CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL PAINTING PROCESS...)

The finished painting with newly sprayed background and silver highlights

This painting took me a total of about 6 hours to create, over the span of several days, and was a great learning experience and test of patience throughout the process...

How much do you think it is worth?

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Can't sleep. Bored. Restless.

So I started up my PC again and created some headshots of myself for use in the publicity of the Actors' Gallery (Click for samples of the other actors' artwork...)

Using photos that I took on my own a couple of days ago, I came up with these two versions...

Still restless, but at least I did something fun and constructive...

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