Entries Tagged 'Entertainment' ↓

Forbidden Kingdom at GSC Signature Cinemas

On a whim, I decided to cough up RM18 and test out the GSC Signature cinemas at The Gardens. I’ll talk a lot here about the cinema first before I get to the movie so those who haven’t seen Forbidden Kingdom and who don’t like spoilers, can then leave before reading further. Aren’t I considerate?

Yes, no kidding. RM18 for a movie. It’d better be good :P

The GSC Signature cinema at The Gardens is GSC’s premier line of cinemas for those who don’t want to mingle with the masses and who want more comfort and are willing to pay for it. Each cinema is very small with only about 10 rows of seats. Each row only has 6 seats in pairs of 2 so you have 3 rows of seats. What this means is larger more comfortable seats. There is even a little table attached to the side of the chairs for your popcorn or snacks. However, because its so small, I felt that the screen was too small to do justice to a truly epic movie. It might be good for some light fun but not if you want to enjoy and truly appreciate the full effects of the movies.

I could curl up in the chair so yes, its a large comfy chair. The back can recline if you are heavy enough to cause it to. I can only make it recline if I physically push against it which makes for an uncomfortable time. But I’m ok with it even sitting upright.

The exterior of the cinema is kept dim. Perhaps, its to keep with the “premier” theme. After all, expensive and privileged places are always kept dim with low lighting. The ticket queue is practically non-existent which of course is great if you don’t want to stand in queue for hours to buy the usual RM11 ticket. Downstairs is a bar/cafe for drinks and snacks and the cinema halls are upstairs. There are only 5 premier halls and 1 Gold Class. Gold class tickets are RM60 each. I’d pay those prices if they run the Lord of The Rings trilogy back to back! Otherwise, forget it!

When you go upstairs, you’ll see your cinema hall number and the words “Now Seating” which will light up when its time to seat you. If its dim, its not ready. I’m not sure how that helps anything, but everyone there quietly waited until the light came on before approaching the ushers.

Even the popcorn is different. It comes in a black cup instead of the usual yellow box. Unfortunately, the popcorn was either not caramel coated, or not fresh. It tasted bland and musty. You know how cardboard tastes? No? Go pop some corn, don’t mix it with anything and chew on it. Now, you know how cardboard tastes. Awful! I don’t recommend the popcorn at GSC Signature.

For all the extra cost and air of exclusivity, I noticed that the place was subtly crowded. Yes even the crowds are classy :P No, its because the cinema halls are so small, that the crowds won’t overwhelm, no matter how crowded it gets. It makes going to the movies fun but a pricey affair.

GSC Signature premier cinemas at The Gardens are at the end near Robinsons. Take the escalators all the way up right to the top of the building, and you’ll see it… or maybe not. Its so “classy” and dim, its easy to miss, but for the subtle touches of some movie posters on the walls.

Now, read on for my take on Forbidden Kingdom the movie. Please leave now if you don’t like spoilers. Continue reading →

We Will … We Will Rock You!!

Buddy you’re a boy make a big noise
Playin’ in the street gonna be a big man some day
You got mud on yo’ face
You big disgrace
Kickin’ your can all over the place

We will we will rock you
Singin’
We will we will rock you

It was a very very busy weekend for me with work going on through the weekend in Singapore. A full day’s meeting on Saturday left me totally washed out, until I was offered tickets to see We Will Rock You at the Esplanade Theatre. Did I want to? You bet I did!

I was planning to go anyway, but thought that this weekend might be too rushed. So yes, I was super duper thrilled and perked up immediately at the offer. Free ticket some more, who don’t want?!

Did I enjoy it? Of course I did! The music was awesome (and loud) and I was bouncing along on my seat although the people I went with were of the more staid persuasion and found the music “too loud”. Sigh… Here, read the synopsis of the musical if you don’t know it already:- Continue reading →

Blasts from the Twilight Zone

Can you blame me for doing a double take when I entered the ladies washroom at The Gardens?

Does it look suspiciously like a row of urinals to you? I trust I’d be forgiven in thinking that they had finally designed a way for women to pee standing - it’ll save a lot of time queuing in the ladies toilets as any woman can tell you. Which leads me to the question - Why are there always the same number of cubicles in a men’s toilet as in the ladies? Men have the added advantage of having urinals as well so it is no wonder their turn around time is so much faster. Or rather it should be - there are always exceptions :P

But toilet rants aside, no, I did not wander into the men’s toilets by mistake. It was actually a row of sinks conveniently located at… erm… waist height. erm… Definitely worth a look hehe…

And now, onto the entertainment news! Look who’s reuniting?

*giggles* I cannot believe that the New Kids on the Block (aka NKOTB) are actually reuniting!! New Album! World Tour! Have they run out of money? Already?

I wonder if they are sticking to NKOTB. Ironically, the AP news report referred to them as The New Kids On The Block not NKOTB. But… :-

  1. They aren’t kids anymore
  2. They aren’t “new kids” they are “old news”
  3. Their block has upgraded to some swanky neighbourhood now

I’ll be watching this with great amusement. And look at their latest photo! Jonathan Knight still has his cheesey grin, Jordan Knight still has his “I’m too sexy for you” look, Joey McIntyre is all “growed up”, Donnie Wahlberg still has his pseudo tough guy image (even in a suit) and Danny Wood is erm… yes still the rather strange one!

OMG! *runs away screaming at the memories*

Enjoy your weekend. I’m off to see what’s brewing in our Southern neighbour. :)