The Golden Compass

Although features about the novel and movie focus on the writer's criticism of the church or organised religion, I would extend that to the critique of the social and education systems in straightjacketing people from their intuitive, creative and innovative spirit.

D'Arranged Marriage

As the saying goes, "There ain't no free lunch". Being the 'soldier of fortune', having availed myself to the splendid performance by Rajeev Varma and the post-performance briyani dish by Bangles, I am obliged to spread the word.
At any rate, it would have been worth every sen spent watching Rajeev re-enact Sanjay's interactions with his de-centred family and community!
Synopsis
On his 10th birthday, Sanjay’s parents announce, “Sanjay,
you are 10 now. Isn't it time that you thought about getting
married?” Enter a birthday cake crowned with a picture of his
bride-to-be. However, to his horror he discovers that Neenu,
the prospective bride, is already dating the village idiot Rundeep!
Adding to Sanjay’s trials and tribulations are an uncle who yearns
for the perfect woman who loves to cook, clean and play cricket,
a Maori best friend and a potential bride with a boyfriend.
All these wickedly funny Indian characters are portrayed in the
hilarious one-man show, D'ARRANGED MARRIAGE. Add in a
few Bollywood-style song and dance routines and you have the
funniest parody of Indian family life since The Kumars at No. 42.
This is a show not to be missed by anyone who has been
set up on a blind date… especially by their parents!
SHOW TIMES Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri + Sat 8:30pm | Sun 6pm
TICKETS RM53, RM64, RM75, RM86. Reduced rates for groups.
VENUE The Actors Studio @ Bangsar Shopping Centre
Level 3, Bangsar Shopping Centre, 59000 Kuala Lumpur
PARENTAL ADVISORY: Contains adult material

Kokopelli, All Stars & Enchanted

Another birthday, another round of treats and movies.
Dinner at Kokopelli on Saturday evening was alright but the ambience and service could certainly be improved with more plants, misty fans, table cloths, place mats, classy music and skilled service.
All Stars was the next best place we could get after Chilli's was full on Sunday evening. The broccoli soup and nachos were great and the t-bone was better than the sirloin I had the night before. Then off to GSC to catch "Enchanted".
Actually, ISA and I wanted to watch "Across the Universe" or "Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium" but "Enchanted" matched our schedule.
We were, however, not dissapointed. It's wonderful how Disney re-invented itself by turning their saccharin sweet tales of princes charming and beautiful princesses into contemporary spoof of true love and "happily ever after".