MooMeter Takes A Cow!

When cows watch movies, you'd like to think they moo - the longer the moo, the better.

You may have already noticed that at MOOVY REVUE, we like to keep things complicated.

Which is why we are now launching the ultra modern, highly sophisticated and completely confusing MOOMETER - courtesy from all the cowhands here who really have nothing better to do than to listen to all the mooing.

But just so you don't get lost in translation, we have painstakingly listed below the abcs (or ooos) and punctuations of the various moos you might come across at MOOVY REVUE.

Don't mention it - you're entirely welcome. We like to think of that as a little extra service....


MOOMETER AT A GLANCE

First thing to look out for is the number of 'O's - the more the merrier the rating.

Standard is up to 5 'O's (5 stars) - but you might very occasionally see sixes and sevens or even more. Those have achieved 'God'-like status, having given our cows the equivalent of continuous, non-stop moogasms....

Below are the more common Moos you might receive on the MOOMETER.

MOOMETER READINGS:
Mm - Why are we even talking about this?
Moo - That's about all the acknowledgement you'll get....
Moo-o - That was... entertaining....
Moo-oo - Did that cow just jump over the moon?
Moo-ooo - Yes it did!

.. - Each dot represents a fraction of an 'O', or in mathematical terms 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 yada yada....
.. - For dots accompanying Mm, each dot is negative and therefore the more the worse....
! - Each exclaimation point represents a MOOVY REVUE award in a single category (like the Oscars).
? - Each question mark is an equivalent of a razzie or questionable point in the movie (opposite to !)

FEATURE: Love of Siam - A mature film on teen angst and sexuality....

From top left in clockwise: Wiwisit Hiranyawongkul, Kanya Rattanapetch, Aticha Pongsilpipat and Mario Maurer....

I find I always enjoy films that are refreshingly frank and honest in the way they address societal and reality issues.

That, aside from the film's eye candy (of which there are aplenty), I would say is one of the chief strengths in Love of Siam, a 2007 multiple award-winning Thai film.

Tong (Mario Maurer) and Mew (Wiwisit Hiranyawongkul) are boyhood friends who find themselves separated after a tragic disappearance in Tong's family. Years later, while in their teens, Tong and Mew meet up again, both having moved on in their lives. Tong has a very pretty girlfriend, while Mew is an aspiring musician with a successful boyband, August.

Yet neither is fully happy with his life. Tong's family is still struggling to cope with the loss of Tong's missing sister; Mew is finding it hard to find new inspiration for his songs. Their reunion however, helps bring back the memories and forces them (and Tong's family) to come to terms with their respective problems.

Teen drama that tugs on heartstrings....

Four gorgeous teens play starring roles in this romantic teen drama - but Love of Siam isn't just about these four, but also about the people around them, and the sometimes adult issues that face them as they grapple around with their own unadulterated lives.

In fact, what impresses me deeply is how each main character has his or her own storyline/issue fleshed out throughout the film.

It is almost an ensemble cast, each character almost equally good in his/her respective role - though kudos must also go to Sinjai Plengpanich who won Best Actress at the Thai film awards for her role as Tong's mother.

But what clinches it must be the controversial element in the story. I could use just one word to describe this movie, and everyone would understand immediately.

But I find myself agreeing with the producers of the film and director Chookiat Sakveerakul, who touted it a teen romance cum family drama.

Don't let that fool you though - viewers have apparently walked away from cinemas in disgust. There's a reason why this film will never be shown in some countries, including a fairly cosmopolitan and neighbourly Singapore.

Yet despite the controversy, Love of Siam has garnered critical acclaim and dominated the 2007 Thai film awards season - and for good reason.

Indeed, Love of Siam stands out as a drama film in a Thai industry better known for its horror, action or comedy genres.

Let me put it to you straight - it is definitely worth a watch so long as you allow yourself to keep an open mind. After all, it's the least a film - one that doesn't shy from the issues explored in this story - can expect.

MooMeter Reading:
Moo-oo...!!?

Exclaimations for:
! Outstanding Supporting Actress: The Thai Awards seem to recognise (rightfully) serious performances, but Kanya Rattanapetch as a lovelorn but happy-go-lucky schoolgirl is a breath of fresh air....

! Outstanding Theme Song (for your enjoyment below....)

Query for:

? Moovy Revue is not about to reveal the spoiler-worthy controversial element - but you can guess with a little bit of attention... or googling....

Love of Siam OST (Music Video) from youtube

He's Just Not That Into You: Doesn't quite get into it....

The men just don't get it. So I guess that's why we have this film to show us guys the ladies' side of things.

Apparently the women don't get it either. At least Gigi (Ginnifer Goodwin) doesn't, plus a whole host of her female friends in this romantic comedy ensemble about why he's just not that into you.

In Gigi's case, it's Connor (Kevin Conolly), from whom she's waiting for a follow up call after a date. So it's down to Alex (Justin Long) to educate her on a few of life's simple truths.

"If he wants to see you, he'll make it happen."

And all of a sudden, Alex becomes her love guru.

Connor on the other hand, has the hots for the lovely Anna (Scarlett Johansson) who's been blowing hot and cold. She has a friend Mary (Drew Barrymore), whom Connor has never met, but who is helping him with his Real Estate promotion.

Anna actually likes Ben (Bradley Cooper), who wants to keep the faith with wife Janine (Jennifer Connelly), but admits he was forced into marriage before he was ready. Janine however, seems more preoccupied with home renovations plus an unhealthy obsession with her husband's smoking habits.

Meanwhile, Ben's friend Neil (Ben Affleck), and Gigi's colleague Beth (Jennifer Aniston) have a long-time relationship going, but she is giving an ultimatum - too bad he isn't keen on getting married at all.

And oh, there's another thing about Mary. Apparently she's really into online relationships....

Goodwin, Aniston and Connelly: Guys just aren't that into them....

If you think the plotline's convoluted, that's because it actually is.

Yet somewhere through all the complicated and intertwined relationships, the movie and characters do eventually sort themselves out.

Couples get together, break up; pieces fall into place and life goes on.

They do have a Brit version you know - one with a bit more gender equality. It's called well... Love Actually....

It's a pity then that this film quite fails to deliver where the Brit counterpart did so well.

To be fair, the issues are different. But somehow stereotypes abound on an otherwise excellent ensemble cast that should have been fail-safe.

But instead we have characters like Gigi who just appears silly for her unwarranted faith in men, or Anna who insists on being the vixenous third party, and Janine, who just seems to miss the point completely.

I'm sorry then to have to say that, despite the presumably happy endings and it being supposed to be a chick flick and all - well, some men may be jerks - but the movie just doesn't reflect well on the ladies.

Guys must walk out of the theatre thinking that women are a neurotic bunch.

Perhaps, it is like as aforesaid. The men just don't get it.

But if that is so, maybe it's high time the girls learnt that - he's just not that into you....

MooMeter Reading:
Moo-o..

Where Cow Talk Shop & MooVies!

C'est la vie my bovine friend!

There are few certainties in life, death & taxes being the few.... Then there are MOVIES.

Life's big entertainment channel. We live by movies, we date with them, we talk about them, we dream about making movies, and we die with "Rosebud..." on our lips.

"Rosebud..." - Less Citizen Kane & wayyy Over The Hedge at MOOVY REVUE....

Every movie we watch, we tend to think STORYLINE, REVIEW, ANALYSIS - but normally, we just think about having FUN. So for everything else, we have MOOVY REVUE, your new friendly neighbourhood web blogger.

From upcoming flicks to goldie oldies; from the latest updates to celebrity rumours; be they arthouse, Oscar material or plain commercial doo-dahs - MOOVY REVUE will put the spotlight on those that tingle your spingle....

And if you have a sudden urge to contribute something new - drop us a line - less waiting and start mooing about some of reel life's greatest moments now!